What does the idler arm do?

I have my car in for service: a muffler job, lube the monowiper, replace bulb in gate shifter (after removing mouse house) and I asked them to look at the front suspension because I could feel something not right. They said it was the idler arm bushing that was worn out. What does this arm do during car operation and is it linked to the steering at all?

[Potomac Pat]

The Idler arm attaches to the right inner tierod end & drag link. Your best bet is to buy a bushing repair/replacement kit. Probably like $45.00.

It provides a stationary mounting point for the steering ocmponents. As does the steering gear box.

Thanks. So there is only one idler arm as opposed to two for everything else to do with the suspension and steering?

[MikeTangas]

The second arm is called the Pitman Arm. It is attached to the output shaft (pitman shaft) of the steering box.