Idler Arm - how much vertical play is normal?

[Tnarkowicz]

I just completed and oil change, and with the car on ramps, I had a good look at the steering and suspension. I noticed there is quite a bit of vertical play in the idler arm ie if I grab it where it joins the drag link, it has around 15mm of up/down vertical play. However there is no apparent sideway slop in the idler arm, or sideway play at all in the drag link/tie rods etc as a result of this vertical play.

Is this normal? How much vertical play/slop is normal in an idler arm?


My whole front end was only replaced about 10,000 km ago - so I'm not sure if this need replacing.


Any advice appreciated.

Tony
'86 635 RHD

[jbd5015]

There shouldnt be any play in those arms. Depending on brand/quality of replacement parts, that amount of play can be expected in that short of distance traveled. Its unfortunate, but looks like you need to replace that.

Good news is that it should come apart pretty easy if it was replaced recently!

[RSheiman]

Any chance it just was not tightened down? It is not one of those parts that should be tightened under load but perhaps the mechanic fit everything, then tightened under load and forgot?