pitman arm torque
 

does anyone know the correct torque on the pitman arm bolt ? thanks john

Re: pitman arm torque
 

There is no torque setting, just tighten it till you get no movement between the pitman and sector with the wheels on the ground. It's pretty much a feel and common sense thing..remember to check it periodically

Re: pitman arm torque
 

Yo' Kid,
I'll figure out a torque for it, so I can use that OLD Sunnen Torque Wrench that you RESTORED & sent to me!!!:D
Minervas' bolt was TIGHT, but the square head of the bolt was turned & wasn't down in the cut-out on the Pitman Arm:eek:
Dad

Re: pitman arm torque
 

If that bolt isn't good and tight the sector shaft moves back and forth inside the pitman arm and wears the 4 sides of the sector shaft to a slight curve instead of perfectly flat. When that happens you can have play there that you can't get rid of.

Re: pitman arm torque
 

John, a big issue we have found when poorly-steering cars come in for a steering rebuild is the arm is not tight onto the Sector shaft due to paint buildup on the mating surfaces because an overzealous restorer was in too big of a hurry to mask that area. Over time the paint disintegrates allowing the arm to become loose. No amount of bolt torque will compensate for this. Make sure the arm and the shaft are free of any paint or lubricants, and then tighten the nut until it is snug and tighten/rotate up to the next slot in the castellated nut, ....and that is as tight as is required.