QuestionHello. My car just failed an insurance safety due to worn idler arm and pitman arm. I now have the correct parts on hand and would like to replace them. Is there any special procedure I need to follow and do I need any special tools? And once the job is completed do I need to get a wheel alignment?
Thanks in advance for any tips and advice.
AnswerYes, there are two special tools, and you really can't do the job without them. They are also somewhat tricky to use, I recommend you take the job to an alignment shop, and pick one with gray haired mechanics who have grease under their fingernails, they will remember how these old cars went together - they are nothing like the modern rack/pinion steering systems. Stay away from the "chain" stores. They will run the bill up and they might have never seen a car like yours, and could do some serious damage to it. Not that I'm biased, or anything, but especially stay away from Pep Boys!
For your info, the two tools are called a "pitman arm puller" and a "pickle fork". An older shop will have these tools, a newer shop may not even have them.
A re-alignment is a good idea - but probably not essential, unless you have had an alignment with the worn parts, in which case I recommend it. In fact, if it were my car, I'd have it anyway.
If you happen to be in the San Diego area, I can recommend a really good shop to have this work done.
Post a follow up question to me and I'll give you the info.
Dick
