How to Replace Idler Arm 97-03 Ford F-150

[@1AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video* √ *Buy The Part at 1A Auto* 1aau.to/m/Visit-1AAuto √ *Do it Yourself* √ *Save Money*

[@dewrus2153]

Another tip when replacing anything with a grease fitting: If you can grease it off the vehicle before you put it on, it's much easier. Grease it on your bench and then put it on.

[@Radioactive_Treehouse]

Literally one of the best channels on KZbin thank you guys so much for your content! It's helped me so much on working on my vehicles! 🙏

[@johnwaynewilliamson]

On a 2003 f150xl (no T) the castle nut is 7/8 & zerks were 5/16. The VIN cross reference showed the 3.43 inch ctc part but it had/needed the 2.5 inch ctc part. Bolts were 21mm.

[@jetskier8841]

There is some adjustment possible when bolting the idler arm to the frame. Is that just for installation? No need to worry about it? Just eyeball center?

[@BallisticSuperiority]

i used an old metal scribe tool to pull the cotter pin.

[@561arcadia]

Thank you!! Always a big help

[@1AAuto]

+Robert Carroll Thank you for the great reply. We love to empower our customers by showing you how-to perform your own auto repairs while installing our high quality auto parts. Have a great day! 1aauto.com

[@omarcabello4963]

If only doing Idler Arm and nothing else, would I need to redo alignment?

[@customprc]

I would say no, I did not have to on my truck.

[@ronaldarchibald2506]

Nope. Easy in and out. All done ready to drive..typically ball joints, struts or tie rod end replacements are the part replacement that requires an alignment. However alignment is often knocked out of spec with everyday driving so getting alignment is not going to hurt except in the pocketbook.

[@caklnl]

Be aware that there are two versions of the idler arm with different spacing between mounting holes. 87 mm (3.43") (Motorcraft MEOE59) and 60 mm (2.4")(Motorcraft MEOE58). Check your spacing before ordering parts!

[@1AAuto]

+Kristen Mandsager Thanks for the feedback!

[@6476Mike]

Is there a way to know which one I have, what would make me have one or the other, as in year or trim level , 4x4 or not etc..

[@jaldkajoi7862]

I also didnt know can use vise grips to turn the mounting bracket to fit the holes on the frame....dummy me

[@bigironjakesd619]

What make and model idler arm did you use and what is the hole spacing??? I have a 2002 f150 5.4 4x4 crew and do not know what to order....help please...

[@1AAuto]

+Bigiron Thanks for watching! We used our own part in this video, and it is the one with 2.5" spacing between the bolt holes. The other option would be one that has 3.5" spacing, which we also offer. You will have to measure the bolt hole spacing on your original part in order to verify what you need! 1aauto.com

[@miguelsanders1767]

What kind of grease did you use?

[@trulysick86]

Arent you supposed to align the arm on the frame to align with the center link??

[@ronaldarchibald2506]

It only goes in one way, move it to fit the hole.

[@carlossaavedra4723]

What size is that castle nut and where can I find one I replaced my idler arm but lost the castle kur where can I find a replacement castle nut ??

[@seanlshwy4368]

A tractor supply or any auto part store sorry late response didn't see one back to ya

[@garrett.m5922]

21 mm

[@ruckus226]

There's not that much room down there

[@dunnrite8299]

I hope they did them inner tie rods too 😂 👀🤦🏿‍♂️

[@broken1965]

Anyone know it 02 f150 crew 4x4 bolt spacing is 2.5 or 2.48 whats the normal for crew cabs? Thanks

[@JettaRedIII]

I think 2.48" is the same as 2.5". Some places just round it to 2.5". The other size is 3.5".

[@derrickmerrill7865]

I can can

[@TheSilentEchoRJ]

That's only .020 difference you would barley be able to notice that by eye 2.500 is 2.480

[@johnny0454]

It's the same, the other size is 3.5

[@ronaldarchibald2506]

Has anybody had the 3.5 idler arm? you have to measure but mine have always been the 2.5 inch spacing..i am curious what has the bigger 3.5 spacing? Maybe 4x4 3/4 or 1 ton? Or that bastard 7 lug nut light duty 3/4 ton they offered a few years.

[@JimNobles-gv4ky]

That’s 4+4 to me. Mines 2 by

[@nastysoda9212]

whenever things don't work it's supposed to, or come off, you guys always edit out the grinding, torching and cut to it magically being remoed. That doesn't help the viewers AT ALL