GM 26048558
Idler Arm

The replacement of a pitman arm requires first lifting the vehicle by safety stands. Pit fork tools and wedge tools should be avoided when trying to disengage the ball stud because they risk damaging both the seal and bushing structure. The pitman arm removing process requires you to eliminate the connecting rod nut from the pitman arm after which you must employ the Universal Steering Linkage Puller (J24319-B) to divide the connecting rod from the pitman arm. Begin by marking the pitman arm and pitman shaft for reassembly alignment before uninstalling the pitman arm nut and washer. Prevent damage to the pitman arm and pitman arm shaft by avoiding any hammering operations. Clean the ball stud threads along with the ball stud nut before conducting an inspection for damage and excessive wear. Do this step using either the Pitman Arm Puller (J6632-01) or the Pitman Arm Puller (J29107-A). The new pitman arm should be installed using markings from removal while also applying a new torque prevailing nut. Ambient temperatures now permit the installation of the pitman arm washer together with its nut. Tighten the retaining nut to reach a torque value of 250 Nm (184 ft. lbs.). Connect the connecting rod to the pitman arm ball stud while placing the seal in position correctly then torque the Steering Linkage Installer (J29193) or its alternative (J29194) to 54 Nm (40 ft. lbs.) to establish the tapers. The removal of J29193 should be followed by new torque prevailing nut installation before tightening the connecting rod nut to 47 Nm (35 ft. lbs.). Conclude the process by dismantling safety stands then lowering the vehicle from the lift.

A replacement idler arm requires raising the vehicle securely using safety stands. To perform the nut removal from idler arm ball studs avoid using pickle forks or wedge tools since these could damage seal or bushing elements. Disengage the idler arms from the relay rod through the Universal Steering Linkage Puller (J24319-B) and take off retaining nuts to remove the idler arm assembly from the frame support. Examine the ball stud threads along with the ball stud nut threads before cleaning all surfaces then inspect the ball stud and seal for damage. The installation process requires you to link the idler arm assembly to the frame while tightening its retaining bolts to 100 Nm (74 ft. lbs.) + 40 degrees. After setting the seal onto the idler arm ball stud position the relay rod and utilize the Steering Linkage Installer (J29193) to torques it at 54 Nm (40 ft. lbs.) to secure the tapers. The tool must be removed before installing a new torque prevailing nut on the idler arm ball studs and tightening the nut to 47 Nm (35 ft. lbs.). After removing the safety stands raise the vehicle using a lift and proceed to lower it.

The required tools for pitman arm servicing and repair include Universal Steering Linkage Puller (J24319-B), Pitman Arm Puller (J29107-A), and Pitman Arm Puller (J6632-01) and Steering Linkage Installer (12 mm) (J29193). Start the service by lifting the vehicle while using safety stands for support. Using a wedge-type pickles fork tool to dislodge ball studs will lead to damage of seals or bushings. The Universal Steering Linkage Puller (J24319-B) should be used to detach the connecting rod from the pitman arm with the connecting rod nut removed from the pitman arm. Proceed to remove the pitman arm nut along with its washer while recording both pitman arm and pitman shaft positions for installation alignment purposes. Apply no force against the pitman arm or pitman arm shaft or puller to avoid damage during the procedure. The pitman arm removal requires either the Pitman Arm Puller (J6632-01) or the Pitman Arm Puller (J29107-A) to separate the component. Inspect all threads found on the ball stud and ball stud nut together with the ball stud seals for any signs of hyperwear. When installing a clamp-type pitman arm users should use a wedge to open it slightly before placing it onto the pitman shaft without applying unnecessary force. Let the pitman arm rest on the pitman shaft with repositioned marks from previous removal while using a fresh torque prevailing nut. Place the pitman arm washer along with the nut before tightening the retaining nut to 250 Nm (184 ft. lbs.). The Steering Linkage Installer (J29193) should connect the rod to the ball stud while maintaining seal position until torque reaches 54 Nm (40 ft. lbs. to set the tapers. Install the new torque prevailing nut on the connecting rod before tightening this rod nut to 47 Nm (35 ft. lbs.) using the Steering Linkage Installer (J29193). The final step involves taking away safety stands then lowering the vehicle down.

Before starting the pitman arm replacement task you should first raise the vehicle then secure it using safety stands. The use of pickle forks or wedge-type tools poses the risk of damaging the seal and bushing thus they should be avoided for ball stud release. The J 24319-B (Universal Steering Linkage Puller) enables technicians to separate the connecting rod from the pitman arm after the pitman arm connecting rod nut gets removed. Marking the pitman arm together with the pitman shaft for precise alignment will become necessary before removing the pitman arm nut and washer. You must avoid hitting the pitman arm or its shaft or the puller equipment to prevent any damage to them. You should use either the J 6632-01 (Pitman Arm Puller) or the J 29107-A (Pitman Arm Puller) to extract the pitman arm. Check for thread damage on the ball stud together with the ball stud nut while inspecting the seals for excessive wear. To install the new pitman arm keep it straight using the marking positions from prior removal and add a new torque prevailing nut to fasten it. The new pitman arm washer should be installed together with the nut then torque it to a tightness of 250 Nm (184 ft. lbs.). Swing the connecting rod onto the ball stud of the pitman arm making sure the seal faces the stud and tighten the J 29193 (Steering Linkage Installer, 12 mm) to 54 Nm (40 ft. lbs.) until tapers are properly seated. Put a new torque prevailing nut instead of the J 29193 and fasten the connecting rod nut to 47 Nm (35 ft. lbs.). Before concluding the procedure use tool safety stands and proceed to lower the automobile.

First secure safety stands under the vehicle while it rests on an elevated position. The idler arm ball studs require you to remove their nut by hand with caution because using a pickle fork may damage either the seal or bushing inside. The idler arms must be separated from the relay rod with the Universal Steering Linkage Puller (J 24319-B) before the idler arm retaining nuts can be removed to disconnect the idler arm assembly from the frame support. First clean and examine the threads of both ball studs along with their respective seals to check for damage. The new idler arm assembly should be attached to the frame before torquing the idler arm retaining bolts up to 100 Nm (74 ft. lbs.) with an additional 40 degrees twist. After bolting the relay rod to the idler arm ball stud with proper placement of the seal you must tighten the Steering Linkage Installer (J 29193) until it reaches 54 Nm (40 ft. lbs.) to properly seat the tapers. First remove the tool before installing a new torque prevailing nut onto the idler arm ball studs that you should tighten to 47 Nm (35 ft. lbs.). The vehicle should be lowered after you remove the safety stands.

Service and repair operations for the idler arm begin with safe vehicle elevation by safety stands. Begin the service by separating the idler arm assembly from the frame or support assembly but keep the ball stud intact with a pickle fork or wedge-type tool because both the seal and bushing are at risk of damage. The Universal Steering Linkage Puller (J24319-B) must be used to disconnect the idler arm from the relay rod once the ball stud nut is removed from the idler arm ball stud. Clean the threads of the ball stud along with those of the ball stud nut before examining the ball stud threads and seal for signs of damage. Install the idler arm assembly or support assembly onto the frame while torquing the bolts to 100 Nm (74 ft. lbs.) with installation angle between 40 degrees and either direction. Fasten the relay rod to the idler arm ball stud with the seal facing the stud before tightening the Steering Linkage Installer (J29193) up to 54 Nm (40 ft. lbs.) to properly engage the tapers. Fasten a new torque prevailing nut onto the idler arm ball stud then snug it to 47 Nm (35 ft. lbs.). You should complete this procedure by removing safety stands and decreasing the vehicle height.