Idler Arm Bracket Pivot Assembly..........again

[rel3rd]

Cliff Notes:
I just put on some front end parts and the Idler Arm Bracket Pivot Assembly is already worn out...Any ideas how to "fix" it?

Anyone else's truck eating these things up?
Truck is a 2002 Silverado Z71 with a leveling kit, which raised front up approximately 2.5" total.

Long version:
Three or four months ago I did some general maintenance on my truck which included checking out the front steering components. Anything that showed "slop", or wear, was replaced. I ended up replacing both outer tie-rod ends, the idler arm, and the idler arm bracket pivot assembly, which is the part that the actual idler "arm" bolts to, and then that "assembly" is sandwiched between two brackets that are attached to frame rail on passenger side. All four parts were Raybestos brand, which was all that was available at the time.

I have slightly over-sized wheels and tires (33x12.50x16.5 BFG AT KO's on Weld Racing 16.5x9.75"), and since I work in a heavy duty shop with access to anything needed, I rotate tires (front to back, back to front) at every oil change. No criss-crossing since my wheels are directional.

I noticed just before tire rotation (3 weeks ago), that I had a very slight "shimmy" in the steering wheel and assumed that possibly another front end part was ready for replacement, but got in a rush and never checked it out. I did rotate the tires however and noticed shimmy was worse.

I finally checked it out today and the "Idler Arm Bracket Pivot Assembly" is allowing the idler arm (and it's attached tie-rods) to slop back and forth easily between 1 and 2 inches. The play is very visible where the idler arm is bolted onto the Idler Arm Bracket Pivot Assembly.

Sorry for the long read, I was just wondering if anyone else has had this issue? I can't believe that I just replaced it "maybe" 4,000 miles ago and the truck's never been off roaded, or anything like that, in that short time either.

Since my tires are far from cheap, and I'd rather not ruin them, I'd like to somehow resolve this issue, if possible, so any tips, tricks, pointers, advice, or ideas are indeed appreciated...

[Silverado05]

cognitomotorsports.com has the solution.

[Silverado05]

This is the kit that you need. I have it and it stiffened up the steering.

[rel3rd]

That looks like it would definitely cure the problem. Thanks!

[rel3rd]

Ordered it up today.

Thanks again for the info!

[rel3rd]

UPDATE

Finally got the new Idler Arm Pivot Bracket Assembly and Cognito Motorsports idler/pitman arm support kit on today. Front end shimmy is 100% gone....finally.

Support kit was an easy install, but IMHO Cognito Motorsports' customer service pretty much sucks. Upon initial install, I snapped off one of the special nuts that goes through the heim joints. According to the "Brand Manager" they are tested to 150ft/lbs of torque, but I snapped one off "snugging it up" with a 3/8" ratchet. I'm a big boy, but very improbable that I snapped a nut in half with an 8" long ratchet, while laying on my back....

The "Brand Manager" answered my email promptly, and promptly said it'd cost me $8 for a new nut, plus $5 shipping.

At that point, he had me by the testicles, but I reminded him that their own website states that most every item they sell has a LIFETIME WARRANTY, and what didn't, has a 90 day warranty...So, I had to take pictures of the nut, and finally they agreed to warranty it, and only charge me shipping, which was OK by me.

What irritated me was that when you buy a supposed high quality item, for a high dollar price, then if that new (and potential long term) customer has a problem, he shouldn't have to fight the company over an $8 item. The $260+ support kit is basically a fancy pair of "L" brackets, 2 heim joints, and a couple "special" nuts...probably $30 worth of parts so to replace a defective part of the kit hardly dips into their profit margin...

YES, they warrantied the nut, but only after me crying about it.
NO, I will never deal with them again...

Sorry for the rant...

[567234ta]

yeah that looks like an awkward setup that would be likely to break.

[rel3rd]

yeah that looks like an awkward setup that would be likely to break.

Yeah, that nut is pretty thin where the cylinder shaped part joins the actual hex shaped part. The kit, as a whole, seems to work good and is easy to install. The only disassembly needed is removing all of the nuts that hold the arms on, but the arms themselves aren't disturbed.