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 RHDIlder

[bmwbob89]

Shouldn't be any play in it.