Pitman Apm Play
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 2,010
Likes: 3
From: Moon Twp. PA USA
Pitman Arm Play
I am installing new power steering components on my '76, and while all the linkage was removed, I checked the pitman arm for play. The arm itself has a perceptible amount of radial play. The pitman arm shaft, from the steering box, does not move, just the arm itself. The nut is tight and rusty so I don't believe it has ever been turned.
Any ideas?
[Modified by glen242, 2:03 AM 7/30/2003]
Any ideas?
[Modified by glen242, 2:03 AM 7/30/2003]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
Re: Pitman Arm Play (glen242)
The serrations on the pitman shaft have a slight taper. You should be able to tighten the nut further to draw the pitman arm further up the shaft. Do not drive the car with a loose pitman arm. If you cannot eliminate the play you will need a new pitman arm and/or pitman shaft.
Jim Shea
Jim Shea
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Re: Pitman Arm Play (glen242)
The pitman arm is splined unto the pitman shaft and it is a tight fit. I can't see how you would have movement between the two. I would think the play is comming in form the clearance between the pitman shaft and the bushings in the steering box. I found mine had .006 clearance and I wanted .001. I replace the 3 bushings and tightened it up to .001 and all play vanished.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 328
Likes: 0
From: Marlborough MA
Re: Pitman Arm Play (glen242)
Related question: Can the pitman arms with bearings still be purchased somewhere? I've not seen them in any of the catalogues, but read of them in several of the old performance articles...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
Re: Pitman Arm Play (75 BBC Stingray)
There are several suppliers (including GM dealers) that offer rebuilding kits. However, Dr. Rebuild is the only supplier that I have found that lists the pitman shaft as a service part (6800224 - $72.00 as of Jan 2003).
There are also several companies that will sell you rebuilt gears or will rebuild your gear if you send it to them.
Download the following from http://www.corvettefaq.com for more info.
Manual Gear Service Parts - Where to purchase C3 Manual Gear Assemblies and Component Parts - Rev 03JA03.
[Modified by Jim Shea, 1:02 PM 7/31/2003]
There are also several companies that will sell you rebuilt gears or will rebuild your gear if you send it to them.
Download the following from http://www.corvettefaq.com for more info.
Manual Gear Service Parts - Where to purchase C3 Manual Gear Assemblies and Component Parts - Rev 03JA03.
[Modified by Jim Shea, 1:02 PM 7/31/2003]
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 2,010
Likes: 3
From: Moon Twp. PA USA
Re: Pitman Arm Play (Jim Shea)
Jim:
Tightened the nut and that took care of the problem. Was in a friend's shop today and he was working on a steering box. Very hard to tell that there is a taper on the splines from looking at it.
There was an Excaliber parked in front of the shop. Very nice car. It was in for rear end work, which is what he specializes in.
Thanks for your help.
Tightened the nut and that took care of the problem. Was in a friend's shop today and he was working on a steering box. Very hard to tell that there is a taper on the splines from looking at it.
There was an Excaliber parked in front of the shop. Very nice car. It was in for rear end work, which is what he specializes in.
Thanks for your help.
