I recently replaced my front struts and mounts. I took the car in for an alignment and the guy said I needed a new Idler arm. I don't know much about steering, but I asked him to show me. He grabbed the arm and moved it up and down slightly, then he told me that it shouldn't move at all, and that he couldn't set the tow-in(sp?) correctly unless he replaced the Idler arm. Is this true? or did I get ripped?

Thanks

 

There should be no play in the idler arm..if so when toe is set it will not remain in adjustment.Plus it is unsafe for you to have it like that.

 

If you can shake it with your hand, then its time to replace it. Its a high wear item.