I just discovered that the bolts holding the idler arm to the frame on my 01 f150 have become very loose and wrecked the holes in the frame that they go in. Any ideas on how to fix this? I can tighten the bolts but they only stay tight so long and then the arm starts moving again.

 

I would try a automotive grade lock washer and a drop or two of Loctite. For a long term solution get the holes welded around the edges and redrill them.

 

The holes are egg shaped its gotten so bad, and ive tried a lock washer already. Even if i do weld around the edges do you think it will possible to redrill into that hardened steel? and i cant remember, but it might also need to be rethreaded too...

 

Take it to your local 4x4 shop, those guys seem to be more creative when it comes to these kind of problems.

 

dont't reweld the holes, that would be a bad idea. take a grade 8 1/4" thick washer the exact size of the bolts for the idler arm, and weld the washers directly ove the factory holes. make sure whoever does the welding is qualified and has plenty of penetration