Got a 98 K-2500- 4WD Suburban.


Have some play in the joint where the pitmann arm hooks to the tie rod.

Tips on changing it?
tech writeup?

also need th change the lower bearning in the steering collum.

Remove 2 bolts on the steering box to let it rotate enough to allow a puller on the pitman arm. Or if you are going to rebuild your box, remove it from the truck and use a puller.

Remove 2 bolts on the steering box to let it rotate enough to allow a puller on the pitman arm. Or if you are going to rebuild your box, remove it from the truck and use a puller.


I think the looseness is in the tie rod end that bolts into the pitman arm,
is that replaceable or is it like some trucks where you have to swap the whole tie rod?

I can barely even see the thing, can I get to it after removing the skidplate?

Pull the skid plate so you can see where the slack is.Those trucks are hard on idler arms and pitman arms.If you have to replace the pitman arm and you are gonna do it at home it would be easier to pull the steering gear off the truck.

Pull the skid plate so you can see where the slack is.Those trucks are hard on idler arms and pitman arms.If you have to replace the pitman arm and you are gonna do it at home it would be easier to pull the steering gear off the truck.


OK I'll pull the skidplate take a look, is the end of the idler arm replaceable?

I think I swapped them on my 74 Bronco that was my DD for 11 years. , but maybe it was the tie rod ends, anyway they screwed off pretty easy.

this is my first Chevy.

Shake the wheels side to side while truck is jacked up and I bet you will see the idler arm is worn too. Typical GM ifs truck. Best done with box removed from frame if doing at home on the ground.

If you have a small air cut-off tool I can tell you a trick to doing it with the box still on the truck, Remove the nut from the bottom of the shaft.

Then cut about 1/2 to 3/4 deep into the pitman arm straight up and down. (inline with the shaft). Then drive a cold chisel ino the slot you just cut and the splined hole will "open up" and the arm will drop off.

It is a tight fit to get the nut off because of the crossmember but you can use this little trick and save the trouble of fighting the box on and off the truck.

Thanks,

How do you wear out a pitman arm?
I thought it was just all metal.

these things have the joint built into the arm and not replaceable?

It looks like the slack is in the joint where the pitman arm hooks to whatever you call that thing it hooks to, Idler arm? tie rod?
on IFS its hard to remember all the names.

My son had a fever so Ive been watching countless episodes of Mr Bean with him for the last 2 days.

After watching the same 4 episodes, 3 times each, im actually looking forward to working on the Burb.

Yeah the pitman arm is none rebuildable, it connects to the centerlink. The idler arm on the passenger side.

Thanks for the tips, I'll get my cutoff wheel & BFH ready.

I need to replace the lower bearing on the steering collum as well, its floppy, any tips on that?
I asked about it but the clerk at Napa had no clue what I was talking about, kept thinking I wanted the rag joint or U-joint.

Got a chance to look at it, definitly gotta replace the pitman arm.

137K and the pitman arm and the hinges and handles on both fornt door are worn slap out.
either that was used as a taxi or the miles have been rolled back.

Oh well , least I got it for 45% of blue book retail.

Whats the ball park price for a pitman arm?

Best place to order it?
Best brand?

Napa wants $ 37
Zat a good price?

Pep Boyz is $21 probably both made in China, didnt ask.

Since I and other would die if it fails, should I get one from the stealership?

Moog is a quallity brand for steering components.

So,, it looks like I pull the radiator, unhook the lines from the sector and 2 of the mounting bolts and roll it upward to pull the arm off?

Anything else?
Need to fix this so I call sell it, a family member is wanting to unload a 99 AWD/4WD Yukon, loaded with every avail option, 100K miles, for $5K.

its way nicer than the Burb.