Steering Idler Arm & Bracket

[diezelraccoon]

I just replaced the steering idler arm and bracket with aftermarket parts. The steering idler arm was MOOG and bracket was Masterpro from O’reilys. I’m a bit skeptical on both the parts. They sure did not install as easy and I noticed there is no rubber boot that fills with grease where the steering idler arm connects to the tie rod.

I found GM part on RockAuto for both the bracket and idler arm and feel I need to switch out the aftermarket ones with this. I can easily return the aftermarket ones.

Would this be a better move?

 

[Joseph Garcia]

If it were me, I'd purchase OEM GM parts if available.

 

[latvius]

Assuming the aftermarket part has no grease fitting then its sealed. You can look at it two ways - 1 you don't need to remember to grease the fitting, or 2 it will never get new grease and arguably wont last as long.
Would I remove parts I already installed for this - heck no
The fact that you want to remove parts you already installed and return them reminds me to never buy parts with opened boxes LOL

 

[rockola1971]

I just replaced the steering idler arm and bracket with aftermarket parts. The steering idler arm was MOOG and bracket was Masterpro from O’reilys. I’m a bit skeptical on both the parts. They sure did not install as easy and I noticed there is no rubber boot that fills with grease where the steering idler arm connects to the tie rod.

I found GM part on RockAuto for both the bracket and idler arm and feel I need to switch out the aftermarket ones with this. I can easily return the aftermarket ones.

Would this be a better move?

Idler arm does NOT connect to the tie rod. It connects to the relay rod and your tie rods screw into each end of the relay rod. The rubber boot does not hold grease. The boot is there to prevent dirt and water from getting into the bearing of the idler arm (Not a roller or ball bearing type) but instead a bearing surface (gusher bearing).

 

[latvius]

Idler arm does NOT connect to the tie rod. It connects to the relay rod and your tie rods screw into each end of the relay rod. The rubber boot does not hold grease. The boot is there to prevent dirt and water from getting into the bearing of the idler arm (Not a roller or ball bearing type) but instead a bearing surface (gusher bearing).

The picture posted has zerk fittings