Idler and Pitman Arms

[Ghostultramarine]

My steering is not as tight and responsive as I would like it to be.

From what I have read replacing the idler/pitman arms can help.

What brands are good/no good?

 

[1978 NYB]

I would use OEM parts. They are still available from a few vendors and are costly but well worth it. You'll probably change them this one time and they should last longer than you will. There are aftermarket parts available. Some fit good and I've had others that just didn't work. I would spend the extra couple of bucks and replace it with OEM parts.

 

[69monaco]

Steering coupler ok ?

 

[Ghostultramarine]

Steering coupler ok ?

Uhm, no idea.

(I haven’t checked and would the FSM tell me how to?)

 

[69monaco]

Do you have one like this.....

 

[413]

Replacing any of the bad parts will help. So figure out what is bad or loose. You,could replace idler and pitman arms and gain nothing.

 

[Toolmanmike]

Check the whole steering system out for wear before you start throwing parts at it.

 

[CBODY67]

From my experiences with the '66 Newport, you will need an idler arm far sooner than a pitman arm. Might even hear some "clunks" on uneven pavement and a decrease in precision in the corners. I suspected the idler arm was worn when I couldn't follow BMWs through an off-ramp on the freeway (circa 1974). But when the new Moog item was installed, I could really intimidate them.

Other than the noted coupler, with the engine off, turn the steering wheel and see if there is in 'n out movement on the input side of the steering gear. There is an adjustment there, too, although few seem to known about that one. The rest of the steering components can be "in spec", but if that gear input adjustment is loose, the whole system will feel loose, by observation.

IF you are seeking the car to feel like "a newer" car, you can chunk parts at it all week long and not get there. Unless you upgrade to the Borgensen gear and such. But the OEM design is a good one, anyway.

Might check out some of the Chrysler MasterTech videos on suspension and steering at www.MyMopar.com for good measure.

Be SURE that what you might desire to replace really needs replacing FIRST. The OEM items are probably better than many of the new replacement items on the market today.

Just some thoughts and experiences,
CBODY67

 

[Trace 300 Hurst]

Check the whole steering system out for wear before you start throwing parts at it.

Absolutely true. Teeny weeny bits of slop spread throughout the system makes for lots of slop at the wheel.

 

[Ghostultramarine]

Do you have one like this.....

I have one like this (not nearly as clean).

I grabbed it and there is play in it (turning it left and right). I did not try to move it in and out.

The play in it may be what I’m feeling through the steering wheel.

 

[73Coupe]

The rubber steering column coupling uphill from the pot coupling will also lead to slop if it's cracked/deteriorated. I found that out when my steering became very loose.

 

[Trace 300 Hurst]

Make note that when the engine is not running (no hydraulic pressure in the box) there's lots of slop even with new parts. Check your "wheel wiggle" at idle, with an eye on the front tire as you wiggle.

 

[Trace 300 Hurst]

The rubber steering column coupling uphill from the pot coupling will also lead to slop if it's cracked/deteriorated. I found that out when my steering became very loose.

Like this?

 

[Trace 300 Hurst]

I did not try to move it in and out.

The In-Out motion of the pot coupler is for chassis flex, thermal growth, etc. It's not something that you'd feel at the wheel nor does it affect directional stability or turning.

 

[Ghostultramarine]

@CBODY67 Thank you for the suggestion.

This one seems to give some info:



(I now know a lot about the steering column and the power steering from 2 other videos. I can only take so many of these at once as they tend to put me to sleep ... I’m working my way through the one linked above.)

Edit: well, it gave some information but not about the idler and pitman arms to my satisfaction.

 

[73Coupe]

Like this?

View attachment 478637

Boom!

 

[Trace 300 Hurst]

Boom!

Land Rover is your friend!

 

[73Coupe]

Land Rover is your friend!
View attachment 478654

At the time, yes. But I recently heard that you can now get a better replacement on Rockauto, manufactured by Lares in MN. There was a recent thread...

1973 Newport Steering Coupler/Rag Joint

 

[Ghostultramarine]

Now how do I check that without pulling the steering column out of the car?

 

[Trace 300 Hurst]

Mirror and flashlight, look up inside the heat shield. Or snap a cell pic like this one.