Wandering Woes?

To inspect the pivot bushing, with the vehicle's wheels pointing straight ahead, firmly grab hold of the arm near the connecting ball joint and attempt to move it up and down. If anything more than barely perceptible "play" is detected, it will have to be replaced. Inspect the arm for external damage, including impact. If any is present, replace it. Examine the connecting ball joint by applying force to the joint's shaft tip and bottom with a pair of large parallel jaw locking pliers, being extremely careful not to pinch your palm, or stray fingers, between the plier handles (a distinct possibility if the jaws slip off the joint). Again, if you observe anything beyond barely perceptible play, replace it.


The procedure for replacing the arm will vary depending on which type your vehicle has. Here are a few replacement tips that will be helpful, covering some important points of interest for all types:


> Acquire a service manual for your specific vehicle and follow the directions closely, observing any notes that outline dangers, cautions, special tool requirements and uses, other removal and installation tips, as well as fastener tightening torque values.


> Before you begin to remove, separate, or unbolt anything, mark the position of the arm against its frame mounting point. A fine tipped grease pencil or even light colored spray paint (if you don't mind the look) are a couple of decent choices for doing this. Many arms have adjustment slots where the mounting bolts pass through, so it's in your best interest to mount the new part in the same place as the old one.


> If separating the connecting ball joint is required, after loosening the retaining nut, leave it on the joint shaft by a few threads. This way, when you separate the joint, the resulting immediate steering linkage movement will be contained (by the nut) until you're ready to put your separating tools down and put your hands on it. This makes a safety difference, especially if you are working on your back and in close quarters with these components.