Idler arm fail, bigger tyres the issue? - Lateral-g Forums

**68LS1** · #1 10-21-2013, 02:16 AM

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 · #2 10-21-2013, 11:05 PM

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 · #3 10-21-2013, 11:11 PM

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)

**68LS1** · #4 10-22-2013, 01:00 AM

Quote:

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 · #5 10-23-2013, 10:26 AM

How close are your headers to the idler arm?

Proforged · #6 10-23-2013, 02:14 PM

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].