Tips and Tools

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Tips and Tools

Postby 05chevy [OP] » August 19th 2010, 1:13pm

Hi! I need to change the idler arms on my 05 RWD Astro. (flunked Virgina inspection) It's the first time. Before I dive into this project, will I need any special tools? Any tips for a noob? Thanks!!
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Re: Tips and Tools

Postby ihatemybike » August 19th 2010, 1:51pm

Welcome to the site.

Idler arms are easy to replace. Obtain Moog brand idler arms if you plan on keeping the van awhile. RWD vans are left/right specific. Remove the nut, use a pickle fork to separate, then remove the two bolts. Most LAPS have pickle forks in their loaner tools selection.
Aaron

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Re: Tips and Tools

Postby RECox286 » August 19th 2010, 2:05pm

If you have a Harbor Freight outlet in the area, chug on down, and pick up a selection of pullers and presses for working on the front end. Their prices are right for the shade tree mech, and you will have need of the tools down the road. Stick with "Moog Problem Solvers" front end and steering parts, and you won't be going wrong. They are not the cheapest parts, but they do have a proven longevity record. Next hint: Beware of el cheapo chinese parts. Also be aware that the idler arms are one of the trucks weakest links , but don't fret, because they are no sweat to change out.

Good Luck, and Keep Truckin'

Bob
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Re: Tips and Tools

Postby 05chevy [OP] » August 19th 2010, 10:24pm

Thanks guys. Lol, we are definately "shade tree mechanics".

I hope to be the last owner of my Astro. Even when I need 3 lanes for a U turn,
I love driving it. I have the Moog arms already, just need a dry Saturday and a 6 pack for the mechanic, my son.

Every family needs a plumber, electrician and a good mechanic. Oh, and an Astro to haul them around!

Angie
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Re: Tips and Tools

Postby 94 Van Guy » August 19th 2010, 10:37pm

Welcome to the site Angie, Good luck on the front end job.

Keith
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Re: Tips and Tools

Postby Big_kid » August 19th 2010, 11:43pm

Welcome from Va Beach!
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We have enough youth. How about a fountain of smart?
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Re: Tips and Tools

Postby astroturf » August 20th 2010, 2:09pm

Howdy from Richmond, VA
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Re: Tips and Tools

Postby Lumpy » August 23rd 2010, 10:56pm

05chevy wrote:Hi! I need to change the idler arms on my 05 RWD Astro. (flunked Virgina inspection) ...


Wow! They inspect your steering in VA?


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Re: Tips and Tools

Postby astroturf » August 23rd 2010, 11:04pm

Lumpy wrote:
05chevy wrote:Hi! I need to change the idler arms on my 05 RWD Astro. (flunked Virgina inspection) ...


Wow! They inspect your steering in VA?


Lumpy


They are very thorough in the Commonwealth.

They don't wear those rubber gloves for nothin...

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Re: Tips and Tools

Postby Big_kid » August 24th 2010, 1:18am

But they don't sniff tailpipes....yet. (SHHH!)
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