Idler arm fail, bigger tyres the issue?

[68LS1]

Just replaced the idler arm in my 68 Camaro, it failed in the main bush (not the one that bolts to centrelink). Not quite 4 years and approx 10,000 miles on it.

Never been auto-crossed or raced.

Would this short life span be due to upgraded suspension and bigger tyres?

[Rod P]

YEP! fat tires KILL suspension parts, I Daily drive, race and autocross, I replaced one last year and another this year so thats one every year or about 12,000 miles, I used a brand called Rare parts the first time and a MOOG the second time! everything else is upgraded to some of the best in the industries, but no one makes an upgraded idler arm

[Rod P]

its because the steering system on a Camaro sucks, its behind the wheels (rear steer) so it takes the impact forces harder, that's why all after market frames move the steering to in front of the wheels, even GM figured it out and the 2nd gen Camaros have the the steering moved to the front also (front steer)

[David Pozzi]

Originally Posted by Rod P

its because the steering system on a Camaro sucks, its behind the wheels (rear steer) so it takes the impact forces harder, that's why all after market frames move the steering to in front of the wheels, even GM figured it out and the 2nd gen Camaros have the the steering moved to the front also (front steer)

Very true, the braking loads on rear steer cars push up on the idler arm. Most, if not all idler arms have plastic inserts which don't hold up well near header tubes. Moog used to make an optional HD idler, I had one on my Camaro. Also Guldstrand used to sell adjustable lower ball joints!

We've had no issues with Mary's second gen, but it's not street driven much. It has had a zillion autocross laps though!

[Proforged]

Originally Posted by David Pozzi

Moog used to make an optional HD idler, I had one on my Camaro.

David - do you have a part # on this?

[David Pozzi]

Originally Posted by Proforged

David - do you have a part # on this?

No, I have an old Moog catalog, but it starts at 1971. I do still have the idler arm. I think it had a nut on the bottom, & bolted to an L bracket off the frame rail.

[68LS1]

Originally Posted by Rod P

YEP! fat tires KILL suspension parts, I Daily drive, race and autocross, I replaced one last year and another this year so thats one every year or about 12,000 miles, I used a brand called Rare parts the first time and a MOOG the second time! everything else is upgraded to some of the best in the industries, but no one makes an upgraded idler arm

Thanks, for reply, gives me a distance frame to work with.

Mine was a MOOG, replaced by another.

I'll put it on my check regularly list. Anyone else have any historical data on idler arm wear?

[David Pozzi]

How close are your headers to the idler arm?

[Proforged]

Side note...if anyone in the US has a failed aftermarket idler arm, we would love to get our hands on it.

I'd like to see 3 examples so we can evaluate to see what we can learn...if anyone is interested, I'll trade them a brand new Proforged idler arm. I'll even cover your shipping both ways.

Send us an email at [email protected].

[Nessumsar]

Zack, I have a failing idler on my 72 Nova which I think is a Moog if you would be interested in that; I'll shoot you guys an email too.