Pitman arm lateral play

[RyanRick]

Hi all,

I noticed what appears to be lateral play between the sector shaft and Pitman arm. This seems unlikely, but I am curious what the opinions/experiences you all have. Some details that may or may not be relevant:

1. The Pitman arm nut has been torqued to 184ft-lbs with red loctite
2. Synergy sector shaft brace was just installed
3. I am trying to track down a clunk/pop that comes from reversing/steering tightly. Need to check body mount bolts next.
4. The dealership replaced the aluminum steering box for the stainless steel version earlier last year. I am not sure if they replaced the Pitman arm, but the nut did not have 184ft-lbs of torque (maybe 30ft-lbs) when I went to remove it for the sector shaft brace.

I've included a link to the video where I try to show this movement. Is it likely that there is play between the Pitman arm and the sector shaft splines?



Thanks!

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[Blade1668]

It's possible, it almost appears that the pitman arm isn't fully seated. On all the steering gearboxes I've seen and or screwed with are tapered. With torque on the nut taking out any slop between it and arm. Now I'm not a expert on it or really anything, and have only worked on a dozen if that. I've replaced a few normally due to leaking. Is there any play in steering wheel with it hooked up but setting on wheels not running? If so that could indicate slop in box gears and be the problem. This I've seen before too, I have "fixed it" in XJ's by a procedure described in a older thread here a few years back. Better explanation and pictures than I could give. Now that XJ steering was set where I wouldn't let just anyone hop in and drive it.

 

[RyanRick]

It's possible, it almost appears that the pitman arm isn't fully seated. On all the steering gearboxes I've seen and or screwed with are tapered. With torque on the nut taking out any slop between it and arm. Now I'm not a expert on it or really anything, and have only worked on a dozen if that. I've replaced a few normally due to leaking. Is there any play in steering wheel with it hooked up but setting on wheels not running? If so that could indicate slop in box gears and be the problem. This I've seen before too, I have "fixed it" in XJ's by a procedure described in a older thread here a few years back. Better explanation and pictures than I could give. Now that XJ steering was set where I wouldn't let just anyone hop in and drive it.

That is what I was thinking too, but I've checked the torque and that nut is tight. The Pitman nut was torqued before securing the synergy brace, so nothing should have been binding.

Yes, there is some play in the steering wheel when on the ground. I am not sure if it is any more excessive than other JTs, though.

 

[Blade1668]

That little clicking and or play could be in the gearbox then. I forgot to mention if pitman arm is loose there would be some play up and down too.

 

[RyanRick]

That little clicking and or play could be in the gearbox then. I forgot to mention if pitman arm is loose there would be some play up and down too.

I couldn't feel any vertical play.

 

[Blade1668]

I couldn't feel any vertical play.

Hopefully ShadowsPapa will chime in his experience and knowledge is way more than I have on this.

 

[Hootbro]

Does not really seem like much play but I am no steering box expert. I would bet it is probably not even noticeable under hydraulic pressure.

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