What do Pitman arms and idler arms do?
Idler Arms and Pitman Arms are part of your steering system that links your steering box to the center link, and then on to the hub assemblies. The Pitman Arm, also known as the “steering arm,” is the main player while the idler arm supports the other side and allows the proper movement to take place when you turn the wheel.
How to replace your pitman arm or steering arm?
Lower the truck down on the jack stand and remove the wheel. You have to remove the big nut that holds the Pitman arm to the steering box. In this case, it was a 1-5/16 nut that was torqued to 180 ft lbs. I used a 3/4″ drive socket and a big mother breaker bar. I was all ready for a battle, and it turned out that the nut was hardly tight at all.
Is the idler arm part of the steering system?
Matthew Wright has been a freelance writer and editor for over 10 years and an automotive repair professional for three decades specializing in European vintage vehicles. Idler Arms and Pitman Arms are part of your steering system that links your steering box to the center link, and then on to the hub assemblies.
When do you need to look into your idler arm?
If the wheels do shift back and forth, it’s a sign that you should look into the idler arm. Additional Information. It is true that because your car’s steering assembly is made up of so many interlinking parts, problems can arise that are entirely independent of your idler arm.
Idler Arms and Pitman Arms are part of your steering system that links your steering box to the center link, and then on to the hub assemblies. The Pitman Arm, also known as the “steering arm,” is the main player while the idler arm supports the other side and allows the proper movement to take place when you turn the wheel.
How is the pitman arm connected to the steering wheel?
It is connected to the sector shaft and moves in a circular motion with the help of the ball joint. This motion causes the wheels to move left or right, depending on which way the steering wheel is moved. It is important you have your pitman arm in good working condition because poor steering can be hazardous to you and those around you.
How can I get the pitman arm out of my car?
If you can’t get the Pitman arm out, drop the idler arm down by removing the 2 bolts that attach it to the frame. Whew! Put some antisieze grease on the steering box’s tapered bolt. Pack grease up into the steering box around the top of the tapered bolt.
When do you need to replace the pitman arm?
If your steering wheel feels loose, you loose the ability to steer, or the car starts wandering on the road, you may need to replace the pitman arm. 1. Poor steering 2. Wandering to the left or right while on the road 3. Inability to steer The pitman arm is part of the steering component in your vehicle.
If you can’t get the Pitman arm out, drop the idler arm down by removing the 2 bolts that attach it to the frame. Whew! Put some antisieze grease on the steering box’s tapered bolt. Pack grease up into the steering box around the top of the tapered bolt.
How do you remove upper control arm bushing?
Remove Upper Control Arm Bushing. To remove the upper control-arm bushings, we use a 1/2-inch jackscrew as shown. The large pipe fitting to the left receives the bushing as it is pressed out, and is ground with a step to clear the flange at the edge of the control arm.
How do you replace a cotter pin on a pitman?
Prepare a new cotter pin by cutting down the length of one side to match the one you removed. Take a rag and wipe the junk away from the steering shaft and the centerlink hole. Take a good glob of grease and pack it up all around where the steering shaft sticks out of the steering box. This will help seal the steering box from the elements.