Idler Arm separation tricks? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

swissarmychainsaw · 01-03-2014, 12:50 AM

Ok, I give!

What is the trick to separating the Idler arm from the Drag link?

I've been pickle-forking like Rocky Balboa on a Side of Beef but no luck!

The pitman side came off with not too much hassle.

I even tried a little heat, but the but the rubber started smoking pretty bad.

How did you do it? Heat??
I'm tempted to take the whole drag link off and but it in a vise where I can get proper swings at it. Working upside side is not that much fun!

Thanks!
Nick

**old Rusty C10** · 01-03-2014, 12:57 AM

I generally just whack it good with a baby sledge and it falls apart

Paul83 · 01-03-2014, 02:19 AM

It sucks, I just did this when I replaced all my suspension and steering components. I used a small sledge right after I heated it real good. Just kept working at it. It took about an hour before I realized I needed the bigger hammer and a torch for heat. I replaced everything so if it burned some rubber that was fine with me. Keep working the fork around. Maybe you will find the sweet spot.

**aotte1** · 01-03-2014, 02:28 AM

I have had luck using an air hammer and right size fork, also.
Les

swissarmychainsaw · 01-03-2014, 04:13 PM

So what worked was taking the outer tie rods off, then bringing the whole assembly down.
Meaning the "drag link" with the inner tie rods attached & the Idler arm also.

Once on the ground I could get a proper Hammer Whack at the nut side of everything and it just popped off no problem! BAM! Enjoy! :-)

Unca · 01-03-2014, 06:06 PM

heat evenly, then apply the big hammer... liberally

Pine Bark Auto · 01-04-2014, 07:32 AM

I just took one off a 82 last night. I used the air hammer with the pickle fork attachment. I believe it was the original with almost 300K miles on it. Chip.

01-03-2014, 12:50 AM	#1
swissarmychainsaw Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: san francisco, ca (east bay) Posts: 674	Idler Arm separation tricks? Ok, I give! What is the trick to separating the Idler arm from the Drag link? I've been pickle-forking like Rocky Balboa on a Side of Beef but no luck! The pitman side came off with not too much hassle. I even tried a little heat, but the but the rubber started smoking pretty bad. How did you do it? Heat?? I'm tempted to take the whole drag link off and but it in a vise where I can get proper swings at it. Working upside side is not that much fun! Thanks! Nick

01-03-2014, 12:57 AM	#2
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,268	Re: Idler Arm separation tricks? I generally just whack it good with a baby sledge and it falls apart __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

01-03-2014, 02:19 AM	#3
Paul83 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Humble, TX Posts: 171	Re: Idler Arm separation tricks? It sucks, I just did this when I replaced all my suspension and steering components. I used a small sledge right after I heated it real good. Just kept working at it. It took about an hour before I realized I needed the bigger hammer and a torch for heat. I replaced everything so if it burned some rubber that was fine with me. Keep working the fork around. Maybe you will find the sweet spot. __________________ I don't care how old or gangster you think you are; if a 3 year old hands you a play phone you answer that! I like long walks on the beach, dinner by candle light, and poking dead things with a stick.

01-03-2014, 02:28 AM	#4
aotte1 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: lousiville Ky Posts: 2,637	Re: Idler Arm separation tricks? I have had luck using an air hammer and right size fork, also. Les

01-03-2014, 04:13 PM	#5
swissarmychainsaw Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: san francisco, ca (east bay) Posts: 674	Re: Idler Arm separation tricks? So what worked was taking the outer tie rods off, then bringing the whole assembly down. Meaning the "drag link" with the inner tie rods attached & the Idler arm also. Once on the ground I could get a proper Hammer Whack at the nut side of everything and it just popped off no problem! BAM! Enjoy! :-)

01-03-2014, 06:06 PM	#6
Unca Registered User Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Laporte, IN Posts: 57	Re: Idler Arm separation tricks? heat evenly, then apply the big hammer... liberally

01-04-2014, 07:32 AM	#7
Pine Bark Auto Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Clover, SC Posts: 55	Re: Idler Arm separation tricks? I just took one off a 82 last night. I used the air hammer with the pickle fork attachment. I believe it was the original with almost 300K miles on it. Chip.



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