Pitman Arm teeth wear

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by MTMAUS, Jan 30, 2026.

  1. Jan 30, 2026 #1
    MTMAUS

    MTMAUS Light Load Member

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    I posted a while ago about some bad tyre wear, well I finally got to take the truck for a trip (driver has been in it)

    And you can't keep this truck straight lol, I think driver was just used to it.

    I think the teeth on the Pitman Arm are probably worn out. Not sure if that's what's causing the tyre wear, but the truck is certainly a pain to drive. It wonders all over the place

    My question is, what's the chances it the splines on the actual steering box that a worn? Which is more likely, the arm itself, or the steering box?

    If it is the splines on the steering box, can that be replaced or is it a new steering box needed?

    I would probably have a crack at just replacing the arm myself, but if it's a full steering box, will leave it to the mechanic.

    Thanks
     
    MTMAUS, Jan 30, 2026
    MTMAUS, Jan 30, 2026
    #1
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  3. Jan 31, 2026 #2
    MTMAUS

    MTMAUS Light Load Member

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    Thanks, I am guessing 1.2million miles doesn't count as "insane mileage"
     
    MTMAUS, Jan 31, 2026
    MTMAUS, Jan 31, 2026
    #2
  4. Jan 31, 2026 #3
    D.Tibbitt

    D.Tibbitt Road Train Member

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    D.Tibbitt, Jan 31, 2026
    D.Tibbitt, Jan 31, 2026
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  5. Jan 31, 2026 #4
    Diesel Dave

    Diesel Dave Last Few of the OUTLAWS

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    Before you start replacing anything, I would get someone to help you by getting in the truck and rocking the steering wheel side to side quickly like they do during inspections and you can be looking at the ball joints, pitman arm and steering column to see what’s loose. Just my opinion.
     
    Diesel Dave, Jan 31, 2026
    Diesel Dave, Jan 31, 2026
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  7. Jan 31, 2026 #5
    rollin coal

    rollin coal Road Train Member

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    Just grab the steering shaft and twist it back and forth you'll be able to see pitman arm play on the shaft it's obvious.
     
    rollin coal, Jan 31, 2026
    rollin coal, Jan 31, 2026
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  8. Jan 31, 2026 #6
    Big Road Skateboard

    Big Road Skateboard Road Train Member

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    More likely the pittman arm than the shaft. I've never seen splines on the shaft damaged unless a well worn arm was left too long.

    But if you're having tire wear issues, it's probably not coming from there, though it can definitely cause driveability issues.

    As @rollin coal said, you can see it move pretty easily.
     
    Big Road Skateboard, Jan 31, 2026
    Big Road Skateboard, Jan 31, 2026
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  9. Jan 31, 2026 #7
    MAMservices

    MAMservices Medium Load Member

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    Splines on pitman arm or steering gear will not wear regardless of mileage unless the arm has been run loose.
     
    MAMservices, Jan 31, 2026
    MAMservices, Jan 31, 2026
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