I installed some new shocks today and noticed some play in the idler arm. With the wheel off the ground, I grabbed the tire and pushed it back and forth. There seems tom be some upward movement in the bushings. It even makes a metal clicking noise when it moves. Does anyones else's do this?

I will check mine out tomorrow. I heard someone else talk about some play in the idler arm side. They had the first batch (blue) and I believe it was attibuted to the powder coating.

Keep us posted.

BTW.. were you able to tighten the idler arm bolt?

I have one from the second batch. Yeah I cranked the nut down pretty good today. It was a little loose but it still moves and makes some noise.

I have one of the blue ones and it has been tight. A few months after installing it the idler arm was loose and so were the lock nuts on the centerlink (probably due to the powdercoat) I tightened everything and it has been good since.

During GONE I continually checked the steering system for play or loose nuts and bolts and had no issues. I must also note that we did some hard wheelin for the three days I was on the trails.

Is there any kind of torque specification or do you just crank it until the noise goes away?

I ran into this a couple weeks ago. I just got a huge breaker bar and cranked it down as hard as possible. Eventually the play went away. The bracket is a mild steel that will give before the bolt.

Mine's a little loose too...just wear from the paint and stuff. Probably something we'll just have to tighten once in awhile.

Don't forget to lube the centerlink ends once in awhile too!

Just an FYI, I believe the Calmini instructions mentioned to check ALL bolts and nuts associated with the steering install after 100 miles (something like that) or every time wheeling.

Mine was loose too. Cranked it tight and now the truck steers all over the place. Bumpsteer came back and the wheel won't return to center. I got the powdercoated setup. Going to try adding lube to the idler arm bushing and bolt. Steve at Calmini said the powder coating probably caused the slop/loose feel. Great but now what??? Do I have to take the idler arm apart and lube it everytime my steering goes south....????

I've noticed that mine has been loose a couple of times. So I've tightened it.

I have other problems though. Ever since installing the steering I have a weird 'whobble' in my the front end of my truck. I have gotten numerous alignments, and my tires balenced, and rotors machined, nothing seems to fix the problem. Also, I occasionally hear a loud 'clunk' when steering. Usually happens at rather slow speeds, either going forward or reverse. Anyone have any ideas??

Sounds like you need a new centerlink ....kidding, I know Elroy has the new Calmini SS.

I had mine for 2 months now, I haven't checked for any play with the truck raised, but I don't have any steering issues or noises to complain about.

Are you still on your original set of ball joints? Have you checked for play in the ball joints? I was getting an odd clunking and found one of my ball joints was toast.

Which ball joint? and how would I go about checking it?

thanks.

Jack up the truck and grab the wheel top and bottom. Try rocking the wheel. Look for any play in the system. On mine you could see the upper ball joint moving in ways it shouldn't.

If it's not that check the wheel bearings. Have you ever repacked the bearings? Was the retaining nut torqued correctly. Lastly check loose bolts in the front suspension.

I haven't repacked my bearings in awhile, but plan to here shortly with Chris' help. It really needs to be done.

I'll jack up the truck tonight and see what I can find out.

Thanks Steve.

I would also check your tie-rod ends for play as well. That would cause some vibration. My old worn-out centerling beat the crap out of mine. When I installed the Calmini system, it made it more obvious. It sounds like you have the same problem as I had.

You don't happen to have the part number for the tie-rod ends do you? How much do they usually run?

Xterraparts has them HERE

Or as a complete assemply here

How do you pick left or right handed threads?

good question..

They fixed it...
HERE is the right handed thread...

and HERE is the left handed thread..

Good eye Steve. :-)

On the Calmini idler arm play issue. I have the new plated version and I have the vertical play spoken of. I would suggest that getting out the super gorilla wrench is not the answer. The inner sleeve will not allow you to fix the issue by simply over tightening it. All you will do is bind up the thrust portion of the bushings and cause more wear.

Get a feeler gauge and see how much play you've got and make some shims from brass shim stock to eliminate the excess play. A little bit of play is OK. Even with the amount of vertical play that I've got it doesn't affect the play in my steering wheel, it just makes annoying noises on bumpy roads.

As far as the tie rod ends go, I think it's cheaper to by the whole assembly. I can get the complete tie rod assembly for less than a hundred bucks.

Feeler gauge? Can I use one at a strip club without getting thrown out?? JK

Seriously- I need this mod now and was wanting to know from people who've had the system for awhile.

Does it seem like it's going to hold up? I know it's hard to tell since it's a newer product, but what are your reviews.

Thanks- Just want to make sure before I drop the $500.

Not only will it hold up, but it will probably out last the truck. Also, the system is modular so individual pieces could be replaced fairly easily if necessary. Calmini really did their homework IMO and came up with a great system at a nice price.