Chevrolet 26016461 Arm Kit,Steering Linkage Idler

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The steering linkage connects the steering gear to the front wheels and maintains their proper alignment. It consists of various components such as the Pitman arm, idler arm, relay rod, tie-rods, and steering damper. The Pitman arm, attached to the steering gear shaft, moves the relay rod back and forth. The relay rod is supported by the idler arm on the other end. The motion of the relay rod is transmitted to the steering knuckles through the tie-rod assemblies. To inspect the steering system, set the wheels in the straight ahead position and lock the steering wheel. Raise one side of the vehicle and mount a dial indicator to measure any play in the system. If the play exceeds the specified limit, inspect and replace any loose or damaged components. Additionally, check for torn ball stud boots, frozen joints, and bent or damaged linkage components. To remove and install the tie-rod, loosen the wheel lug nuts, raise the vehicle, and remove the wheel. Separate the tie-rod end from the steering knuckle using a two-jaw puller. Remove the nut securing the inner tie-rod end to the relay rod. If replacement is necessary, measure the distance and record it before unscrewing the tie-rod end. Lubricate the new tie-rod end and adjust it to the recorded dimension. Connect the outer tie-rod end to the steering knuckle, tighten the nut, and install a new cotter pin. Insert the inner tie-rod end into the relay rod and tighten the nut. Finally, tighten the clamp nuts and lower the vehicle. For the idler arm, loosen the nut and separate it from the relay rod using a two-jaw puller. Remove the idler arm-to-frame bolts and install the new idler arm, tightening the bolts securely. Insert the idler arm ball stud into the relay rod and tighten the nut. To remove the relay rod, separate the inner tie-rod ends from it, and then separate it from the Pitman arm and idler arm. Installation is the reverse of removal, ensuring the nuts are tightened to the specified torque. To remove the Pitman arm, separate it from the relay rod using a puller. Mark the Pitman arm and steering gear shaft for proper alignment during reassembly. Remove the Pitman arm nut and washer, and then remove the Pitman arm using a puller. Inspect the ball stud threads and seals, and clean the threads.

To replace the idler arm, loosen the nut and separate it from the relay rod using a two-jaw puller.