Of all the functions your car performs, steering is one of the most important. When a component of your steering mechanism fails, the results can be serious. You have to be able to control the direction in which your car is moving. Your car’s idler arm plays a critical role in the steering of your car. At Andersen Restorations, we sell classic car steering and suspension parts, including idler arms.
Do You Have a Bad Idler Arm?
When your steering wheel doesn’t respond the way you expect when you turn it, or if your car is exhibiting other worrisome symptoms, you may need to repairs. Classic symptoms of issues with your idler arm include shimmying, shaking and vibrating. Other signs your idler arm isn’t performing the way it should include your car pulling to one side or your steering wheel having a lot of play in it.
You can see how any of these issues has the potential to be dangerous.
Replacing a Bad Idler Arm
Your idler arm works with your center link and your pitman arm to control your car’s steering. The idler arm is often one of the first classic car steering parts to fail. When you are planning to replace your idler arm, it’s a good idea to see if you also may need a new center link or pitman arm (though you may not).
Professional auto mechanics who work with classic cars understand that process of switching out an idler arm, but if you are a classic car buff restoring your first car or you are making this repair for the first time, it’s good to know what to expect.
Replacing an idler arm is not a labor-intensive job, but you must have the right tools and you also must be prepared for the challenge of separating the idler arm from the center link and the frame if it is rusted. Rust is a common challenge when doing car repairs, and repairs on a classic car are more often fraught with this challenge since they are so much older than most cars on the road today.
Sourcing OEM Parts for Classic Cars
Many classic car enthusiasts embark on their restorations with the purest of intentions, scouring the internet for OEM parts for classic cars. The problem with OEM parts for classic cars is that many of them are not in much better shape that the part you are replacing.
Used parts may be OEM, but they may not be good for your vehicle. Moreover, you cannot always trust classic car parts suppliers you find online to provide exactly what they say they are providing or to offer returns if you are not satisfied with the product.
At Andersen Restorations, we have been in the classic car parts supply business for more than 30 years, and our reputation and our reviews prove that we provide quality classic car parts. We also accept returns.
Rely on us for all your classic car restoration parts needs.
