Idler Arm

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the idler arm on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8 engine, including disconnection of the tie rod end and proper torquing of mounting hardware.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Idler arm assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
• Cotter pin × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen passenger side front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support with jack stands under frame rails
5. Remove passenger side front wheel completely
6. Spray penetrating oil on idler arm mounting bolts and tie rod end nut; allow to soak 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the idler arm
   Position yourself under the passenger side of the vehicle with adequate lighting. Locate the idler arm assembly which connects the center link to the frame rail. Inspect the area for any skid plates or protective covers that may need removal.
2. 2

   Remove tie rod end cotter pin
   Locate the tie rod end castle nut where the idler arm connects to the center link. Use pliers to straighten and remove the cotter pin completely. Discard the old cotter pin as a new one must be installed.
3. 3

   Loosen tie rod end nut
   Using the appropriate socket, loosen the tie rod end nut but do not remove it completely yet. Leave the nut threaded on 2-3 turns to protect the threads and prevent the tie rod from falling when separated.
4. 4

   Separate tie rod end from center link
   Use a pickle fork or tie rod separator tool to separate the tie rod end taper from the center link. Position the tool between the center link and the idler arm ball joint, then strike with a hammer or apply pressure with the tool until the taper breaks free. Once separated, remove the tie rod end nut completely and lower the center link away from the idler arm.
   ⚠Wear safety glasses when using a pickle fork as metal debris may be created
   ℹ️A pickle fork may damage the tie rod boot; use a proper separator tool if reusing components
5. 5

   Remove idler arm mounting bolts
   Locate the two or three mounting bolts securing the idler arm bracket to the frame rail. Using a breaker bar if necessary, remove all idler arm mounting bolts. Support the idler arm as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
6. 6

   Remove old idler arm
   Once all mounting bolts are removed, lower the idler arm assembly from the frame rail. Inspect the mounting surface on the frame for rust, damage, or debris. Clean the mounting surface with a wire brush if needed.
7. 7

   Install new idler arm
   Position the new idler arm assembly to the frame rail, aligning all mounting holes. Thread in all idler arm mounting bolts by hand first to ensure proper alignment. Once all bolts are started, tighten them in a cross pattern to the specified torque.
   Torque spec

   Idler Arm Bolts75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Connect tie rod end to center link
   Raise the center link and align the tie rod end stud with the hole in the center link. Insert the stud through the hole and thread on the tie rod end nut. Tighten the nut to the specified torque.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod End Nut68 Nm (50 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install new cotter pin
   Align the castle nut slots with the hole in the tie rod stud. If the slots do not align with the hole, tighten the nut slightly (never loosen) until alignment is achieved. Insert a new cotter pin through the hole and bend the ends to secure it properly.
   ⚠Never loosen a castle nut to align cotter pin holes; only tighten further if needed
10. 10

    Verify installation
    Inspect all fasteners to ensure they are properly tightened. Check that the idler arm moves freely without binding and that all connections are secure. Verify the cotter pin is properly installed and bent.
11. 11

    Reinstall wheel
    Position the wheel onto the hub and thread on all lug nuts by hand. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern using a torque wrench to the specified torque.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Lower vehicle from jack stands carefully
2. Perform final torque check on lug nuts with vehicle on ground
3. Remove wheel chocks

Verification

• Start engine and turn steering wheel lock to lock while stationary to verify no binding or interference
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area to check for abnormal steering behavior or noise
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment as soon as possible after this repair

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