Symptoms of a bad idler arm.

Last time I got the 225 inspected, the mechanic told be the idler arm was starting to go. Last few times I drove it before winter, I had problems where sometimes while turning, the steering would bind up for a second or two, then let loose again. Would a failing idler arm cause this? Looking to use the 225 until I find a replacement for my LeSabre and but I need to make sure I have steering on it. Replacing an idler arm shouldn't be too big a deal.

 

Idler arm is easy fix. To check it, jack the front of the car up and secure it on a stand. With the key in the on position so as to unlock the wheel you can turn the wheel to one side as far as possible. While you are pushing the wheel with your hands on the wheel you will be able to see upwards movement in the idler arm. you'll have to turn the wheel all the way so it gets in a bind that way you can see the play or looseness in the idler arm

 

zach, a slightly loose power steering belt might also cause your problem.

 

Well, I jacked it up today and checked the linkages. Everything felt tight, no obvious loosness, nothing broken. Power steering reservoir was pretty empty, it does leak fluid, so I'm thinking mabye that is it. Top that off, top off the oil and radiator. Spray down carb with gumout. Pull coil wire, crank it over. Put coil wire back on, crank it, started right up. Warm it up and take it out for a test drive. Drive about two miles to the gas station. Steering feels fine until I pull into the station, going slower. Gas it up, start it up. Major grinding sound. Pop hood, coolant spraying everywhere out of water pump. Shut it off, check for play, sure enough, the pump is shot, good 1/2" play on the shaft when pulling on the fan blade. Start it back up, grinding away. Go to pull of the station, steering very tight, binding feeling. Pull out, grinding goes away. Drive home. No more grinding, no more coolant spraying.Shut it off, check fan again, still major play, so the water pump is shot.

I'm also thinking maybe the powe steering pump is shot as well and it just isn't pumping any pressure at low speeds. Either way, I'm not driving it for a bit.