Chevy86 IROC-Z

iTrader: (17)

Hi guys. A quick simple question. Im replacing my whole front end suspension (sway bar links, struts, idler arm, center link, inner and outer tie--rod ends, ball joints, and lower control arm bushings). I was told by the local speed shop mechanic that the Pitman Arm isnt a big issue because they hardly ever fail. I told him that it is a bearing type or ball joint type because of the grease fitting nipple. He still said it is ok. So is it wise to replace it , or do I just leave it alone?

87350IROC

iTrader: (2)

What? Your pitman arm has a grease fitting?

That pictured pitman arm is not a thirdgen part. The pitman arm should have a hole where the pictured part has the tapered stud. The thirdgen pitman arm is not a wearable piece and does not need to be replaced unless it is bent.

jb3829

iTrader: (1)

I agree.....I rebuilt my front end and every third gen pitman arm I've ever seen doesn't have a grease fiting.

Chevy86 IROC-Z

iTrader: (17)

It doesnt!!!! Curse Sears Auto Center. They did a suspension check and they told me that it needed to get replaced. Hold on. Im going to go soutside and snoop around. Ill be right back to see if there is a grease nipple or not. As for the picture, I copied it from SUmmit Racing and it does state that the picture may not be actual part, but rather a reference. Hold on Ill be right back.

Chevy86 IROC-Z

iTrader: (17)

OOOOPPPPSSSSSS!!!!!.. Verified. I pulled out the new Center Link and compared the new and the old one by eye balling it. I then realized that the grease fitting that I saw and felt is actually the grease fitting at the very end of the Center Link which connects to the Pitman Arm. You guys are right. I feel like a goofball. Well then, I guess Sears tried to pull a fast one on me. Little did they know that I never intended to have them do the repair. Thanks for the help guys.

Chevy86 IROC-Z

iTrader: (17)

The correct Pitman Arm should look somewhat like this one below.

AlkyIROC

At least once a month someone asks about their pitman arm. Everyone is being told that it's worn out and needs to be replaced but as you've just found out, it's a non wear item unless it's been damaged. You can't even buy a third gen pitman arm from the dealer.

Now the idler arm on the other side of the car can be worn out.

chevyowner02

iTrader: (3)

Leave it alone, I was told the same thing you where except the grease fitting.

Chevy86 IROC-Z

iTrader: (17)

Yeah. Ive had the idler arm for some time already. Its just that due to the 110* weather down here in the Imperial Valley, It gets to be a P.I.T.A. when I begin to feel sticky with sweat running down my face. But now that it's verified, I can now start to tug and pull and reinstall the new stuff. Agian, thanxs guys.

Schoopsman

If it looks like my pitman arm has play were it connects to the centerlink, does that meant centerlinks bad?

sofakingdom

iTrader: (1)

Right: the joint that has the play is part of the center link, not part of the Pitman arm.