I was driving along the other day and went to turn left and it did, but then wanted to go right. I got under the car tonight and did some pulling and the drivers side is fine, but the passengers side isn't when I pull of the tie rod or idler arm I get a good 1/4" of movement. I think its time for a rebuild, but I dont know how much movement is normal. I was going to rebuild it anyway, its just this is bad timing with my winter car acting up

 

lateral movement isn't so much a problem, the parts are suspose to move, vertical movement is is undesireable. if it only did it once might of beed the raod and not the car or some other factor.

 

there was vertical movement, mainly on the idler arm side, not so much on the pitman arm side. I take the same road all the time so I doubt it was the road

 

I am curious, that if and when I do rebuild it, what if any speciaalty tools whill I need? ie ball joint separator.

 

pickle forks, ball joint press, or a shop press, spring compressor. i wouldn't want to do it without air tools and a torch but they're not required.

 

i have a 6" bench vice,, air is not a problem, I have 2 compressors, a 5.5hp 25 gal, and a 6hp 33 gal, with an impact wrench, pneumatic wrench and a die grinder.

Still need the forks and spring compressor

oh and I have a map gas torch