Engineering:Idler arm

Ackermann steering linkage

Idler arm for a heavy-duty truck

On an automobile or truck with a conventional parallelogram steering linkage, the idler arm or idler arm assembly is a pivoting support for the steering linkage.

The idler arm supports the end of the center link on the passenger's side of the vehicle. The idler arm bolts to the vehicle's frame or subframe. Generally, an idler arm is attached between the opposite side of the center link from the Pitman arm and the vehicle's frame to hold the center link at the proper height. Idler arms are generally more vulnerable to wear than Pitman arms because of the pivot function built into them. If the idler arm is fitted with grease fittings, these should be lubricated with a grease gun at each oil change.