Pitman Arm

The pitman arm is an essential part of the steering system in your Chevy car or truck. It is a linkage which attaches to the steering box sector shaft and converts the sector shaft's angular motions into the linear motion which is needed to steer the wheels on your vehicle. This linkage is supported by the sector and it itself supports the center link (drag link) through the use of a ball joint. The pitman arm transmits the motion received by the steering box into the center link, causing it to move the wheels left or right, whichever is the appropriate direction. The idler arm attached on the opposite side of the center link from the pitman arm and frame holds the center link at the right height.

Signs of a bad pitman arm include:

• Sloppy steering
• Play in the arm when you move it
• Signs of cracks, bends, and breaks

If you find any of these signs, pitman arm replacement is needed to regain steering function and smoothness in your classic Chevy.