OK..stupid question #1 for the day :shakehead. Mechanic says I need to replace my right front idler arm. I've been looking at an exploded schematic of the front suspension and don't see any part called an idler arm. Is it called by another name? I know, I know...DUH!

Well, now I feel really dumb. I anticipated it was a part of the suspension, couldn't find it, posted my question and then promptly found it as part of the steering. However, that brought up Stupid Question #2...How bad could a bad idler arm affect tire wear?

A worn idler arm can affect tire wear pretty bad if its worn bad enough. It will allow the tire to wobble and wear excessivly.