Idler Arm Replacement
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Coopersburg PA
Idler Arm Replacement
First off let me thank everyone for all there help so far! Everyone has been super helpfull with helping me get my recent purchase up and running!
But to my real question, what i thought would be a simple change out turned into an evening of pulling my hair out.
With replacing my idler arm, for inspection, I can't seem to remove the bolt from the idler arm off of the relay arm. I heard slight persuasion with a hammer could knock it loose but that isn't happening. Is there something I am missing trying to get this bugger off?
Thanks again!
But to my real question, what i thought would be a simple change out turned into an evening of pulling my hair out.
With replacing my idler arm, for inspection, I can't seem to remove the bolt from the idler arm off of the relay arm. I heard slight persuasion with a hammer could knock it loose but that isn't happening. Is there something I am missing trying to get this bugger off?
Thanks again!
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
Your best approach would be to get/use a gear puller. Take the nut off the stud, turn it upside down then put it back on the stud so that the top surface of the nut is at the same level at the top of the stud. Use that "flat" as the place to locate the threaded member in the puller and put the jaws behind the bulge in the rod. Then crank it off.
You could also use a "pickle fork"; but you needed to do that before you took the idler arm off the frame so there would be something solid to hold the links in place.
You could also use a "pickle fork"; but you needed to do that before you took the idler arm off the frame so there would be something solid to hold the links in place.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 48
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From: Coopersburg PA
Thanks 7t1 - I actually put it back on the frame and have a pickle fork that I wrenched on it a little bit. But not a budge. I am going to try and use the gear puller and hopfully I can get it to pop.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,363
Likes: 303
From: Lansdale 19446 PA
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
St. Jude Donor '10-'11, '15, '19
Crzynate25 - There are several different sizes of pickle forks and pullers. I have used a tie rod puller and the smaller pickle forks successfully. If you cannot get it off with what you have - 2 suggestions - generally places like Pep Boys & Auto Zone will loan out tools. If that doesn't work for you, I will bring mine to the Allentown Area Corvette Clubs Show Sunday at DeSales University. You can borrow mine.
I am about 30 minutes south of you in Montgomeryville. If you can get here - you can get them before.
John
I am about 30 minutes south of you in Montgomeryville. If you can get here - you can get them before.
John
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
If you get a puller on it and crank it as far as you can, and it still won't break loose....give the 'ram' screw a good whack with a steel hammer. The shock load from that will almost always cause the joint to split.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Coopersburg PA
Thanks guys - Hopefully i can get out to work on it tomorrow when its gonna be a little nicer here. And we'll see what I can come up with. But either way, John, I am in lansdale every sunday. Maybe, I'll have to swing by and say hi.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,363
Likes: 303
From: Lansdale 19446 PA
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
St. Jude Donor '10-'11, '15, '19
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Coopersburg PA
So last night after an hour of so of yelling and cursing the idler arm, I finally got it off and the new one on!!! Now, finally, the vette is up to inspection and can drive it around without 06/06 inspection stickers! Thanks for the tools offer John - but it doesn't look like I'll need them.... for now.
I am hoping to make it to Allentown on Sunday but will be on my way back from AC and a bacholer party for my brother so we'll see.
I am hoping to make it to Allentown on Sunday but will be on my way back from AC and a bacholer party for my brother so we'll see.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,485
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From: Peekskill NY
So last night after an hour of so of yelling and cursing the idler arm, I finally got it off and the new one on!!! Now, finally, the vette is up to inspection and can drive it around without 06/06 inspection stickers! Thanks for the tools offer John - but it doesn't look like I'll need them.... for now. I am hoping to make it to Allentown on Sunday but will be on my way back from AC and a bacholer party for my brother so we'll see.
I am hoping to make it to Allentown on Sunday but will be on my way back from AC and a bacholer party for my brother so we'll see.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,363
Likes: 303
From: Lansdale 19446 PA
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
St. Jude Donor '10-'11, '15, '19
Guess I will have wait for a later date to meet you! 