tonyvisone

Hi guys

So im having a pitman arm nightmare. Ill try to tell a short version to the point, but not sure thats possble.
-Note that I got the truck aligned after each time I replaced parts, and everything was torqued to spec (50 ft-lbs for relay rod to pitman arm nut).
-Note: late 99 silverado 1500 4wd 5.3, 225k miles

One year ago (april 2016) I had a shop install a cheap pitman/idler/bracket I got on ebay.
It was bad a year later (jan 2016 and probably well before that too).

The truck has 225k so I figured save money towards a new truck. So I got a mid grade (driveline) set (pitman/idler/bracket) from advanced auto.
Pitman had play (to relay rod) within a week.

Returned driveline pitman/idler/bracket and bought all three in MOOG.
Pitman had a tiny bit of play upon install!!!!

Thinking my relay rod could be worn out, I bought a MOOG relay rod.
It was finally tight. I rejoiced!!

A week later the pitman had play again!!!!!!!
This time I tore it all down. Upon disconnecting the outer tie rods I realized that one knuckle was MUCH harder to turn by hand that the other. Figured I had a stuck ball joint which was putting extra force on the pitman arm.

SO, I replaced the following: inner tie rods (duralast), CV axles (advanced auto house brand), and the following in ALL MOOG: pitman/idler/bracket, outer tie rods, wheel bearing hub assembly’s, lower ball joints, and upper ball joints with control arm and new bushings.

At this point I didn’t care what was causing the issue, I was just happy to put it to rest.
Drove straight to town fair tire for an alignment (5-6 miles maybe).
Picked it up and drove home and immediately my drivers side front tire was making a ton of noise. The noise is loudest at 35-45 mph. I went back and had it checked and they said they couldn’t find any issue. they say its because the tires are a bit chopped due to all the driving with bad parts. yes thats correct, but this is much louder than that. its atleast 3 times louder than it ever was in the past 10 years (the tires at least).

Drove it 2 more days. Had a buddy shake the drivers side wheel and AGAIN there is play in the pitman arm to relay rod connection.
I certainly learned a lot, and i can now replace a pitman arm in under 30 minutes, but I just don’t know what to do at this point…
I was hoping to make the truck last 3 more years or so but im nearly forced to get a new truck at this point….

HELP!!!

tonyvisone

i have a video of the current pitman are / relay rod play. trying to upload it

tonyvisone

tech2

awaiting video.

by relay rod you mean the center link that connects the pitman and idlers arms and the inner tie rod ends?

tonyvisone

heres the video it finally uploaded
http://vid821.photobucket.com/albums...pshmjbojh0.mp4

yes im talking about center link to pitman joint. i bought a steering box yesterday im hoping thats whats killing them??? going to install tomorrow (sunday april 22). would love a confirmation first.

tech2

i am with you on wanting zero play on steering linkage.

not sure what i can suggest as you have replaced everything. gm does have a spec in the service manual for allowable movement for the pitman to centerlink/relay rod for this vehicle. Its 1.0mm or 0.039" measured on the pitman arm with the a dial indicator clamped to the centerlink.
retorque the ball stud nut and measure it.

tonyvisone

I replaced steering box today
free replacement moog pitman goes on tomotrow and alignment Tuesday

tonyvisone

well the steering box and another pitman arm are in. i got it aligned and it seems better. pitman is still tight after 3 days, we'll see how long it lasts this time... tires make noise because they are chopped. much quieter than before though.