Chevrolet Bel Air Pitman & Idler Arms
The Chevrolet Bel Air’s Pitman and idler arms are important components of its steering mechanism. When they start to fail, the Bel Air’s steering can become difficult or sloppy. Here, you can find the right Pitman and idler arms for your Bel Air and learn more about them.
What’s a Pitman arm’s function?A Pitman arm is a bar that connects the center linkage to the steering box. Specifically, it attaches to the sector shaft. Its function is to turn the angular movement of the sector shaft into a lateral motion that can be used to turn the wheels from side to side. By transmitting the turning of the steering wheel to the center linkage, the driver is able to control the wheels of the car.
What’s the idler arm’s function?The idler arm supports the center linkage on the passenger side of the car. By attaching to the center link with a ball joint and to the car’s frame with a bushing, the idler arm supports the linkage while allowing it to move as it steers the wheels. This allows for both tires to be steered in tandem when the steering wheel is turned.
What symptoms does a faulty Pitman arm cause?Since the Pitman arm is the connector between the center link and the steering box, a faulty Pitman arm can cause a couple different problems. Typically, it will become loose because of wear and tear.
- Poor steering: A loose Pitman arm will cause the steering wheel to have extra play in it. You’ll have to turn the steering wheel a certain amount before you feel the it begin to move the wheels.
- Pulling to the side: The Pitman arm can also cause the steering to constantly pull to one side, which you’ll find yourself compensating for to drive straight.
- Inconsistent steering: A Pitman arm thats extremely loose can cause the steering to become unpredictable, pulling to one side and then the other or developing excess wriggle room that changes from day to day. This is caused by the Pitman arm shimmying from side and side and getting stuck.
There are a couple symptoms of a loose idler arm when the ball joint or bushing is damaged.
- Excess play in the steering: When the joints of the idler arm are damaged by wear and tear, they pull apart. This causes extra play in the steering. You may notice some extra wriggle room in the steering wheel when turning towards the passenger side.
- Passenger side wheel doesn’t steer: A broken idler arm won’t support the center linkage, which will make steering difficult.