Top Picks For Idler Arm Related Parts

The idler arm is an important component of the steering system because it provides support to the steering linkage system of your vehicle. It comprises an arm that connects the bracket of the idler arm to the center link of the steering linkage. The purpose of an idler arm is to assist the pitman’s arm and allow the proper movement of the steering linkage when you turn the wheel. Both idler and pitman arms are used on vehicles with parallelogram steering and conventional suspension systems. The idler arm also keeps the center link parallel to the road surface and prevents it from flexing as the vehicle moves over bumps. This helps in resisting up and down movement while maintaining the vehicle's toe settings.

A Pitman arm is a steering component of your vehicle and is attached to the steering box via a shaft called a sector shaft. It converts the angular motion of the sector shaft into linear motion, which helps in steering the wheels. The pitman arm works in unison with the idler arm and forms pivoting support for the steering linkage to ensure proper movement while turning the wheels. Pitman steering systems can be mostly seen in older vehicles because the newer models today are equipped with different types of rack and pinion steering mechanisms. When the steering wheel is turned, the steering effort is transferred through the steering column to the steering gearbox. The pitman arm acts as a linkage and transmits the motion received from the steering box to the center link, causing it to move to the left or right according to the steering input. The idler arm on the opposite side of the pitman arm supports the movement of the center link and the tie rods connected to it turn the wheels. 

The pitman arm thus acts as the main actuator in the parallelogram type of steering system and it goes without saying that any damage or wear can lead to steering problems. Prolonged driving on rough or difficult road conditions can cause the pitman arm to wear out and lead to problems like excessive steering play, wandering, erratic steering, etc. The most common type of wear for the pitman arm is the ball joint and, like other ball joints, it has to be replaced with time due to eventual wear and tear. Considering how important the pitman arm is to control your vehicle, it is important that you replace your old pitman arm if you notice any of these symptoms to ensure proper handling and safety.

The purpose of a tie rod is to turn the wheels and connect the wheel knuckle to the steering rack. As you turn the steering wheel, a rack and pinion gear system in the steering rack pushes or pulls the tie rods to turn the wheel. A tie rod is made of two components, inner and outer tie rods. The outer tie rod is greased and consists of a rubber or plastic dust boot that covers the ball joint. Usually, this rubber boot cracks or breaks, exposing the ball joint to contaminants and moisture which wear it out, causing corrosion and failure. A worn-out or loose tie rod end is a major safety concern as it can separate, leading to a complete loss of steering control.

A loose or a worn-out tie rod is a major safety concern as it can break and separate, leading to a complete loss of steering control. Therefore, it is important to monitor the symptoms that allow you to know that the tie rod end is failing. Some signs that you may experience with a failing outer tie rod include steering wheel vibrations that increase while turning or accelerating, clunking or rattling noise from the front end, uneven tire wear, unresponsive steering, and increased wheel play. If you witness these signs, then a thorough inspection is necessary to check the condition of your outer tie rod. A simple way to spot a bad tie rod end is to jack the car up and rock the wheel back and forth. If you hear any popping or clunking sounds, then your tie rods may be worn out and need replacement.

The inner tie rod is connected to the steering rack assembly and has a straight body that is connected to a bearing housing. It features a protective dust boot that keeps the unwanted elements away and the other end is screwed to the outer tie rod, which makes the two tie rods a single unit. When we turn the steering wheels, the steering effort is transmitted through the steering shaft and the steering gear in the steering rack assembly to the tie rods, which makes the wheels turn.

There is no time interval when the tie rods should be replaced, but they should be checked every time the vehicle is lifted or if you face any symptoms. Although the life of a tie rod depends on the driving conditions and style, it eventually wears out with time. A tie rod can fail or wear out and lead to several symptoms, like a shaking steering wheel, vibration in the vehicle, uneven and excess tire wear, and difficulty in steering the vehicle.

It is recommended that you should change your outer and inner tie rods together. While changing the inner tie rods, the outer tie rods should also be replaced because both the tie rods have the same mileage and the damage is likely to be the same. Therefore, it is a good habit to replace both the tie rods to ensure a perfectly operating steering system that you can rely on. Furthermore, replacing your inner and outer tie rods together saves you a lot of money and the pain of getting your wheels aligned every time you change a tie rod end. This saves you money and time in the long run and helps to prevent further issues.

The primary purpose of a center link is to move your front wheels at the same time so your vehicle can turn smoothly. The center link features two ball joints at its ends and is also connected to the pitman and idler arms. It can be found on a four-link steering system and not on a rack and pinion steering system. The center link converts the sweeping motion of the steering gear into linear motion to push and pull the tie rods, making the wheels turn. The pitman arm is attached to the steering gear output shaft and to the center link. As the steering wheel is turned, the pitman arm transmits the steering effort to the center link. The idler arm is also attached to the center link, which supports the movement and the position of the center link to relay the pitman arm's movement correctly. The inner tie rods are connected to the center link and transfer the movement to the outer tie rods to turn the wheels.

With time, the center link ball joints can wear out, causing the vehicle to vibrate and wobble while driving on the road. Some important signs that indicate a bad or worn-out center link include uneven tire wear, steering wheel vibrations, the car pulling to one side, and improper wheel alignment. It is also necessary to check for excessive play in the center link and the condition of the ball joints. A center link is crucial to the overall handling and the ride characteristics of your vehicle and if you notice any such issues, get your vehicle inspected and the center link replaced to avoid further damage.