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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 35
Shade Tree Mechanic
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OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 35 |
I had a scare this weekend when I took my '49 3600 out for a ride and pulled into my driveway. When I went to back into my garage, the pitman arm broke off the steering linkage and I had a steering wheel spinning around like a little kid's toy car. Could have been disaster out on the road. I had it towed into a mechanic to look at, but I'm wondering how that could happen and what I should make sure gets done before I get behind the wheel again. It is a little unnerving to say the least.
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 934
ChatMaster - 750
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ChatMaster - 750
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 934 |
Wow Scott,that is very scary. I'm going to check mine when I get home. It wouldn't hurt to check it once in a while. In fact everyone should check your pitman arm for safety. We don't need any bad news to wonderful club.Thank...Oscar :eek: 
OSCAR ALBRETSEN
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 35
Shade Tree Mechanic
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OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 35 |
I just got a call from my mechanic who says that the pitman arm knuckle broke more than likely because the kingpins were too tight. I had kingpins replaced in '04 by another shop. My guy says they appear to be way too tight and the stress on the joint caused it to break. I thought kingpins were basically pressed into their bushings. How could they be too tight? I'm thinking about having everything looked at including tie rods, steering box and pitman arm linkage. Where can I find parts?
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 10,379 Likes: 1
Technical Advisor ChatMaster - 10,000
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Technical Advisor ChatMaster - 10,000
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 10,379 Likes: 1 |
I had a pitman arm break on my car several years ago. Was caused by hitting a rut with the steering cramped to the limit of movement. I find it hard to comprehend that tight kingpins would be the problem. Kingpins are installed by fitting each pin to the bushings after installation. If installed in 04 they should have loosened up by now or you would have been complaining about stiff steering. An overall inspection is in order. 
RAY Chevradioman http://www.vccacolumbiariverregion.org/1925 Superior K Roadster 1928 Convertible, Sport, Cabriolet 1933 Eagle, Coupe 1941 Master Deluxe 5-Passenger Coupe 1950 Styleline Deluxe 4-Door Sedan 1950 Styleline Deluxe Convertible 2002 Pontiac, Montana, Passenger Van 2014 Impala, 4-Door Sedan, White Diamond, LTZ 2017 Silverado, Double Cab, Z71, 4X4, White, Standard Bed, LTZ If you need a shoulder to cry on, pull off to the side of the road. Death is the number 1 killer in the world.
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 988
ChatMaster - 750
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ChatMaster - 750
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 988 |
You are supposed to ream the kingpin bushing after pressing into the knuckle bushing. Chevy has special reamer that does both upper and lower with one tool.
34 & 35 trucks are the greatest. 36 high cabs are OK too.
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