Idler arm issues?

[Silver03offroadxterra]

Hey guys I'm new here and an avid do it yourselfer! Ok I'll get into it, I have a 2003 Nissan Xterra xe with a 4" body lift and 2.5" suspension lift! I have a wobble on my passenger side. So I started troubleshooting after replacing the tie rods, control arms and ball joints, drag link and idler arm. I still have a wobble, so I followed another thread and bought and installed the idler arm brace to no avail! The whole assembly where the drag link, idler arm and tir rod bolt together moves up and down fairly easily! It's in the idler arm and not the bushings so I didn't know if anyone has a fix for this any and all help is much appreciated!

 

[Bklyn.X]

I’m sorry but I don’t understand your description. It sounds as though the arm itself is somehow damaged, maybe bent after a hit. Is it an OEM arm? Did the brace go on without issue? Can you post a picture?

 

[Silver03offroadxterra]

Yes the brace went on without any issues and the bushings are strong and new and yes it's an oem idler arm but the arm itself bends and i i cant post a pic at the moment

 

[Bklyn.X]

If the brace went on without issue it means its not bent and should be fine.
Are the "new" bushings OEM or aftermarket?

...the arm itself bends...

This should not happen. I would change that out to ether a newer OEM or a reinforced aftermarket one.

That might solve the problem.

I had a SLR system (beefed up pin, arms and serviceable center link) with a modified TC brace that worked as well as can be expected for years.

Notice the double shear on the arm.

Part of the trouble with our IFS is that each part is in a way dependent on the others. So if one part is in bad shape it will cause premature wear on all the others.

 

[Silver03offroadxterra]

If the brace went on without issue it means its not bent and should be fine.
Are the "new" bushings OEM or aftermarket?

Do you have a link or anything for a better idler arm I can't seem to find any and the brand new parts that are in now are almost all oem replacements! The Nissan dealership here is aware of the issue and seems to have no clue how to fix it! That idler arm looks mighty sturdy and I like that with all the offroading the Xterra will be doing!

This should not happen. I would change that out to ether a newer OEM or a reinforced aftermarket one.

That might solve the problem.

I had a SLR system (beefed up pin, arms and serviceable center link) with a modified TC brace that worked as well as can be expected for years.

Notice the double shear on the arm.

Part of the trouble with our IFS is that each part is in a way dependent on the others. So if one part is in bad shape it will cause premature wear on all the others.

 

[BenM]

You can delete the idler arm by using a steering gear with the cuts removed. I've been told the oem gear will work with slight modification of the mounting holes. Just be sure you measure the arm length before going and getting a JY gear. The only modification you'll have to do to the pittman (now idler) is to drill it out to mount to the centerlink.

You can also go and buy a grassroots centerlink to beef up the pitman side of the steering.

 

[Silver03offroadxterra]

Awesome thank you