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[ians]

Thanks guys will get one for the weekend.

oo-err mrs

[SP_3.2]

   that i wish

[kcl]

Is wheel alignment altered when steering idler is changed? Getting tired of visiting the local shop for wheel alignment   Tie rod end -> alignment, shocks and wishbones -> alignment, again both outer tie rod ends -> alignment.... The only thing not changed within last 50 000 km is the idler

[Mr Hagon]

Is wheel alignment altered when steering idler is changed? Getting tired of visiting the local shop for wheel alignment   Tie rod end -> alignment, shocks and wishbones -> alignment, again both outer tie rod ends -> alignment.... The only thing not changed within last 50 000 km is the idler

Exactly my question too.  I will be getting WIM to do the wishbones and rear track rod end arms at some point, so is it worth changing anything else such as the steering idler or any other parts of the front suspension at the same time?

Mark

[v6coop]

I guess that depends on whether there was play in the idler when you last had the steering geometry checked and adjusted. If there was and it was set when the idler is at either extreme of its play (likely) then changing it could mean that the toe would be out even if there is no longer any play. As long as the camber bolts are not moved when you replace the idler (which there is no reason why they should be) then there will be no change to camber settings, at least as far as I understand it. So the bottom line answer is if there is any chance that the idler was worn when you last had the toe adjusted you should get it checked again unless you can afford to ruin a tyre.

Jon

[Mr Hagon]

I guess that depends on whether there was play in the idler when you last had the steering geometry checked and adjusted. If there was and it was set when the idler is at either extreme of its play (likely) then changing it could mean that the toe would be out even if there is no longer any play. As long as the camber bolts are not moved when you replace the idler (which there is no reason why they should be) then there will be no change to camber settings, at least as far as I understand it. So the bottom line answer is if there is any chance that the idler was worn when you last had the toe adjusted you should get it checked again unless you can afford to ruin a tyre.

Jon

Well it was Tony @ WIM who diagnosed that the wishbones were shot so I guess he didn't notice any issue with the steering idler.  When I get WIM to replace the wishbones and rear track rod end arms it will go through the geometry setup again anyway.

Mark

[v6coop]

Just replaced mine and both wishbones (having pervously replaced only the bushes) at 113K miles, the movement in the idler was scary. If it has not been replaced before and you are at similar mileage would suggest you bear this in mind. You are probably on borrowed time. However if there is no play now you can probably replace it later without worrying about the alignment.