Steering Systems
The steering system works with the suspension system to provide directional control with a comfortable amount of steering effort. It must do this while allowing for the necessary movement in the vehicle's suspension system. Some parts serve both systems. The steering system consists of a steering gear, steering linkage, a steering column and a steering wheel. Two types of steering systems are widely used in today's vehicles: "rack-and-pinion" steering and "conventional" steering.
Pitman Arm Replacement Guideline:
The pitman arm needs regular maintenance. If it receives that maintenance, it will easily last the life of your car. However, if you fail to give it regular maintenance, you will find that between 30,000 and 50,000 miles, your car's steering will falter. To prevent this, vehicle owners should have their pitman arm inspected regularly. A six-month inspection of the steering gear is more than adequate for most driving. However, if you drive in rough, rocky, off-road or other harsh conditions, the pitman arm will deteriorate quickly. It is wise to have it inspected, and replaced, if need be, on a three-month basis if this is the case. This may seem drastic, but remember that if your car's front wheels are taking a pounding, the pitman arm, as it sits on the steering gearbox, does too.
Picture(A)
1.Push and pull side to side on the front driver's side tire while watching for looseness in the pitman arm joint.
2.If the movement is out of specifications, the joint must be replaced. This joint can be located on the pitman arm or the center link.
3.If the center link has to be replaced, remove the cotter pin and nut holding the pitman arm taper stud to the center link.
Picture(B)
4.If the pitman arm has to be replaced, place an alignment mark on the pitman arm to sector shaft with white paint or a punch, to ensure correct positioning on reassembly.
Picture(C)
5.Remove the pitman arm nut holding the arm to the sector shaft of the steering gear.
Picture(D)
6.Using a pitman arm puller, pull the pitman arm free from the sector shaft.
Picture(E)
7.Install the new pitman arm in reverse order of removal.
Idler Arm Replacement Guideline:
With any steering complaints, it is necessary to check the components of the steering linkage for wear and damage. Slight problems in any of these components may result in significant steering problems and tire wear. Looseness in the idler arm may cause excessive toe change on rough road surfaces, leading to a wandering condition. Looseness in and of the tie-rod ends may be felt as loose steering and is frequently mistaken as a steering gear problem. Each of the steering system joints must be inspected for excessive wear or damage. If the vehicle is equipped with a steering damper, it can cause a shimmy in the steering wheel after hitting a bump in the road. Refer to the online service information for the procedure and specifications for inspecting and replacing these components.
Picture(A)
1.Safely raise the vehicle with the lift set at the OEM-suggested lifting points.
2.Push the center link at the idler arm up and down, and watch the idler arm for excessive movement.
Picture(B)
3.If the movement is out of specifications, the idler arm will need to be replaced.
4.Remove the cotter pin, and loosen the nut connecting the idler arm taper stud to the center link.
Picture(C)
5.Separate the idler arm taper stud, using the double hammer method, a pickle fork, or the appropriate puller.
6.Remove the bolts holding the idler arm to the frame.
Picture(D)
7.Install the new idler arm in reverse order of removal. Note that some idler arms must be installed with the steering centered to avoid inducing a twisting force on the steering linkage, causing the vehicle to pull to one side.
Frequently Asked Questions
(1).What is the pitman arm all about?
Not the sexiest of all automotive parts, the pitman arm, named after railroad engineer George Pitman, is tasked with steering your car. The pitman takes the circular motion generated by the sector shaft and converts it so that it can be used to turn the wheels. The pitman arm, supported by the sector arm, is attached directly to the steering gearbox.
(2).How long does a pitman arm last?
The most common type of wear and tear for the pitman arm is actually to the ball socket located at the end of the arm. Like all other ball joints, this one will eventually wear out and need to be replaced. Regular lubrication can prolong its life, though. The pitman arm and other front end components should be lubricated at every service (oil change) and should be inspected regularly to prevent these problems from becoming severe.
(3).Why should I get my pitman arm inspected on a regular basis?
The pitman arm needs regular maintenance. If it receives that maintenance, it will easily last the life of your car. However, if you fail to give it regular maintenance, you will find that between 30,000 and 50,000 miles, your car's steering will falter. To prevent this, vehicle owners should have their pitman arm inspected regularly. However, if you drive in rough, rocky, off-road or other harsh conditions, the pitman arm will deteriorate quickly.
(4).What common symptoms indicate pitman arm needs to be replaced?
Considering how important the pitman arm is to control over the vehicle, it is essential that you know a few signs and symptoms to look for that indicate unusual wear or impending failure. These signs include:
1.Grease around the boot at the end of the pitman arm
2.Your steering feels abnormal, or that it's slipping
3.There's too much play in the steering wheel
4.The steering feels like it's wandering
(5).What is the result when pitman arm fails?
The result is that you run the very real risk of losing steering control due to pitman arm failure. When the pitman arm fails, there is no longer a connection between the sector shaft and the wheels. When that direct connection is lost, you lose the ability to steer, which can result in dangerous consequences.
(6).What is the symptom when idler arm wears out?
A worn and loose idler arm results in excessive freeplay of the steering linkage. It makes the vehicle wander on the road. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, you may need to replace your idler arm to prevent possible damage to your car's steering system.
(7).How to diagnose a bad idler arm?
To diagnose a bad idler arm you only have to observe the connections as the wheels are turned. Observe the connection at the end of the idler arm, where the shaft is set into the bushing near the wheel. Use the flashlight if necessary. If the shaft of the idler arm moves in any direction, prior to the wheel beginning to turn, the bushing is bad and the idler arm needs to be replaced.
(8).Road Walking
Also known as road wandering, this scary phenomenon occurs when a vehicle seems to wander or weave back and forth on its owm. If you are being attentive and steady on the steering wheel but are experiencing road walking, it will be genuinely difficult for you to keep the vehicle straight.
(9).Play In The Wheel
If you have suspicions that the idler arm is in poor condition, this symptom can be tested under safer and easier conditions than road walking. While the vehicle is sitting still, try moving the steering wheel. If you can move the wheel considerably from side to side without much resistance, your steering wheel has too much play.
While you certainly don't want your car to be unresponsive when you make steering maneuvers, a wheel that has too little resistance is also bad and a sign of idler arm problems.
(10).Free Wheeling
This symptom can only be observed and tested in a garage or mechanic setting, as the car must be raised so that the front wheels are suspended off of the ground.
Always use suggested and available safety equipment when working underneath a vehicle.
While the vehicle is raised, go to your front wheels and without manipulating the steering wheel at all, see if it's possible to move the front wheels from side to side. If the wheels do shift back and forth, it's a sign that you should look into the idler arm.
