I thought my tires needed to be balanced, but when the shop put it up on the lift, the mechanic told me the inner and outer tie rods and Idler arms need to be replaced. They want $630 and I want to see a diagram to see if I can do this myself.
The inner and outer tie rods are pretty self explanatory remove the nut from the knuckle. Whack the knuckle a couple times where the tie rod goes through and the tie rod will pop out. The inner will releas the same way. Get the sleeve whe you get the inner and outer tie rod. It will make life a lot easier. Assemble the new parts to the approximate same length as the parts you removed and install.
The idler arm will be bolted to the frame and then have a ball and socket that will be removed in the same manner as the tie rod end.
The pitman arm will require a puller to seperate it from the gear box. Sometimes you have to heat up the end that attaches to the gear box to get them to pop. Sometimes the gear box needs to be removed in order to get the puller on the pitman arm.
Lower and upper ball joints are also very common on these. If they have not been done I would have them checked as well.
I’m happy to assist further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/jeremy_d728a59f986299fa
SOURCE: pitman, idler arm, inner and outer tie rods 89 chevy s-10 v6 4WD
it is an easy job but u will need special tools.
SOURCE: I ned to know /
napa online lists two pitman arms for $49, $89 depending upon spline count. As a photo wont give you this info, it may not help...As far as I can see, they list the other components as well but I didn't look at prices. To remove the pitman arm you will need a good pitman arm puller...some of the larger parts houses rent them out. You will not get it off the steering box without one!!
good luck!
(maybe your friend will buy you a beer when you're done!!!)
need any techncal help along the way, I'm here!!
SOURCE: repair steering linkage
You'll have to rent or borrow a pickle fork and a pitman arm puller. There is more than one size of pickle fork so specify for tie rod ends. You can buy them too, about $100 for the pair and they are not vehicle specific.
Jack and block up your front end so the wheels are clear. Take the nut off the tie rod end and wedge the pickle fork between the tie rod and the drag link, rap with a hammer until it separates. Loosen the bolt on the collar and unscrew the tie rod end. Count the turns when you remove it and screw the new one in the same number of turns.Fit it into the drag link and tighten the collar and the new nut.
Take the nut off the idler arm and use the pickle fork to separate it from the drag link. Unbolt the idler arm from the frame. The new one goes on in the reverse.
You'll probably need an adjustable wrench to remove the nut from the pitman arm,it's bigger than most wrench sets. Separate it from the drag link first. Slide the puller on and tighten it up. Once it starts to turn hard, give the bolt on the puller a rap with the hammer and tighten some more. Repeat until the arm comes off. Slip the new one on and tighten.
Don't be shy when you tighten these parts because if there is play, the holes in the drag link will oval out and you will have to replace it too. Don,t use a pickle fork on the pitman arm or you will have to replace the seal in the bottom of the steering box. Hope this helps.
SOURCE: torque spec's: 75 nova steering components
I looked in an old Motor book, competitor to Chilton, and it gives no special torques or instructions for front end parts. It just says tighten.From experience I always tightened them with a 3/8 socket wrench until they stopped turning using just my arm strength. Never loosen to put in a cotter pin. Hope this helps.
Testimonial: "75 nova dude: problem solved THANKS!! to hippycy"
SOURCE: 1991 C1500: I am replacing the tie rods on my 1991 Chevy C1500...
The inner holes, the inner tierod ends go into the outer holes.
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AfteAfter all is said and done, the tie rods and idler arm were not the problem at all! The vibration I was feeling was a hub going bad and ball joints. I'm glad I took a better look before trying the fix.
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