{"id":64909,"date":"2022-01-20T02:19:19","date_gmt":"2022-01-20T10:19:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogv2prod.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/?p=64909"},"modified":"2024-02-02T18:28:25","modified_gmt":"2024-02-03T02:28:25","slug":"bad-pitman-arm-symptoms-plus-faq","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/bad-pitman-arm-symptoms-plus-faq\/","title":{"rendered":"Bad Pitman Arm Symptoms, Plus FAQ"},"content":{"rendered":"<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 4<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span><style>.kadence-column_267f3a-ec > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;}.kadence-column_267f3a-ec > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column_267f3a-ec > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column_267f3a-ec > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column_267f3a-ec > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column_267f3a-ec > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column_267f3a-ec > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column_267f3a-ec{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column_267f3a-ec > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column_267f3a-ec > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column inner-column-1 kadence-column_267f3a-ec qk-look-widget\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-row ultp-block-078d22  qk-main-wrap\"><div class=\"ultp-row-wrapper\"><div class=\"ultp-row-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-column ultp-block-25249d\"><div class=\"ultp-column-wrapper\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_15a6e2-f0, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_15a6e2-f0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading_15a6e2-f0\"]{text-align:center;font-size:20px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_15a6e2-f0 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_15a6e2-f0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading_15a6e2-f0\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-family:Inter;font-weight:500;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_15a6e2-f0 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading_15a6e2-f0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading_15a6e2-f0\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"kt-adv-heading_15a6e2-f0 summary-title wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading_15a6e2-f0\"><span>Summary<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The pitman arm transfers the driver&rsquo;s steering wheel input to the steering linkage, turning the wheels in the process.<\/li><li>Loose or unresponsive steering, vehicle wandering, and clunking or popping noises when turning are telltale signs of a failing pitman arm.<\/li><li>It&rsquo;s never a good idea to drive with a bad pitman arm. Doing so can result in a loss of steering ability.<\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>All vehicles have a complex steering system consisting of multiple components working together to turn the front wheels. Some applications include a pitman arm, which connects the steering gear to the steering linkage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Like almost any automotive component, the pitman arm can eventually wear out or become damaged. When that happens, you&rsquo;ll likely notice one or more undesirable symptoms that you&rsquo;ll want to address right away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Does a Pitman Arm Do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Some vehicles have a conventional steering gear (instead of a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/important-things-to-know-before-getting-a-rack-and-pinion-replacement\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"rack and pinion\">rack and pinion<\/a> assembly). Applications with a conventional design have a pitman arm that connects the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/steering-gear\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"steering gear\">steering gear<\/a> to the rest of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/steering-linkage-assembly\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"steering linkage\">steering linkage<\/a>. Typically, such an arrangement is found on trucks and older, rear-wheel drive cars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/car-steering-system-1024x504.jpg\" alt=\"car steering system\" class=\"wp-image-64918\" width=\"1024\" height=\"504\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/car-steering-system-1024x504.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/car-steering-system-300x148.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/car-steering-system-768x378.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/car-steering-system-150x74.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/car-steering-system.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption>The pitman arm, which is connected to the output shaft of the steering gear, transfers the driver&rsquo;s input to the steering linkage.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>When the driver turns the steering wheel, rotational motion is transferred through the steering column to the steering gear. The pitman arm, which is connected to the output shaft of the steering gear, then transfers the driver&rsquo;s input to the steering linkage. From there, the steering linkage connects to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/steering-knuckle\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"steering knuckles\">steering knuckles<\/a> to turn the wheels back and forth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some pitman arms do not have any moving parts and are considered non-wear items. Others include a moveable ball joint that connects to the steering linkage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"article-search-widget\">\n<div class=\"cp-search\">\n<div align=\"center\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/w_auto,dpr_auto\/carparts\/logos\/badge_wordmark\/full_color\/CP_LOGO_COLOUR_RGB\" alt=\"CarParts.com\" width=\"300\" height=\"56\">\n<\/div>\n<form id=\"cpsearchform\" name=\"cpsearchform\" action=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/search\" method=\"get\" target=\"_blank\" accept-charset=\"character_set\" aria-label=\"search CarParts.com\">\n    <input type=\"text\" class=\"keyword\" name=\"q\" placeholder=\"Search for parts on CarParts.com\" value=\"\" aria-label=\"Search CarParts.com\"><input type=\"submit\" class=\"btn-search\" value=\"Search\" aria-label=\"Search\">\n<\/form>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Symptoms of a Bad Pitman Arm<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Do you think you might be dealing with a bad pitman arm? If you notice one or more of the following symptoms, you might be right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Note:<\/strong> Many other problems can mimic a bad pitman arm. You (or your mechanic) should conduct a thorough diagnosis before performing any repairs.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Loose or Unresponsive Steering<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The most common sign of a bad pitman arm is loose or unresponsive steering. When the pitman arm&rsquo;s tapered hole is damaged, or its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/bad-ball-joint-symptoms\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"ball joint is worn\">ball joint is worn<\/a>, there will be enough play to make the steering feel vague when you turn the wheel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Vehicle Wanders While Driving<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Another symptom of a bad pitman arm is a vehicle that wanders while driving. You may notice that you have to correct the steering more frequently than before. The vehicle may also dart to one side or the other while driving over bumps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/car-steering-wheel-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"driver holding steering wheel\" class=\"wp-image-64919\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/car-steering-wheel-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/car-steering-wheel-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/car-steering-wheel-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/car-steering-wheel-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/car-steering-wheel-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/car-steering-wheel.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption>Loose or unresponsive steering is the most common sign of a bad pitman arm.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Clunking or Popping Noise While Turning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Although somewhat rare, a faulty pitman arm can make a clunking or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/popping-noise-when-turning-common-causes-diagnosis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"popping noise when you turn the steering wheel\">popping noise when you turn the steering wheel<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1653618878980\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Do pitman arms go bad?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">As was mentioned, some pitman arms do not have any moving parts. Generally, this type of pitman arm only requires replacement when there&rsquo;s been impact damage (due to a collision, etc.) or its tapered hole has somehow been damaged.<br><br>But there is also another type of pitman arm that has a moveable ball joint that connects to the steering linkage. That joint can eventually wear out, causing the pitman arm to go bad.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1653619065833\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How do I test my pitman arm?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\"> <strong>A dry park test is the easiest way to check a pitman arm<\/strong>. Simply have an assistant turn the steering wheel back and forth slightly with the vehicle on the ground. While the wheel is being turned, watch the pitman arm and note any play. <\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1653619098617\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can you drive with a bad pitman arm?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\"><strong>You should not continue to drive with a bad pitman arm<\/strong>. If the pitman arm fails, you could experience a complete loss of steering ability. A faulty pitman arm should be replaced right away.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1653619148009\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What is the difference between a pitman arm and an idler arm?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\"><strong>The pitman arm connects the steering gear to the steering linkage, whereas an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/idler-arm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"idler arm\">idler arm<\/a> connects the steering linkage to the frame<\/strong>. Depending on the system design, there might be one or two idler arms on the vehicle. Each idler arm is designed to hold one end of the steering linkage level with the other end.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1653619170806\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How long does it take to change a pitman arm?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Exactly how long it takes to replace a pitman arm will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of vehicle you have and your skillset (if you decide to tackle the job yourself). Keep in mind that a special puller is typically required to replace a pitman arm.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Getting Your Hands on a Replacement Pitman Arm<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/pitman-arm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"pitman arm\">pitman arm<\/a> that&rsquo;s badly damaged after a collision will need to be replaced before you can get back on the road. Thankfully, you can get a replacement that fits your vehicle with the help of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"CarParts.com\">CarParts.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You won&rsquo;t even have to take one step outside your door to get yourself some replacement parts. You can use your mobile phone or computer to visit CarParts.com. Use our vehicle selector and input your vehicle&rsquo;s details, including the exact year, make, model, and engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We make it a point to get our auto parts from some of the most reliable names in the industry. With our warehouses strategically located all over the US, you&rsquo;ll receive your order in a matter of days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Spare yourself some time and trouble by getting your replacement parts as soon as possible. Shop at CarParts.com, and order a new pitman arm for your vehicle.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 4<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span>All vehicles have a complex steering system consisting of multiple components working together to turn the front wheels. Some applications&#8230; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/bad-pitman-arm-symptoms-plus-faq\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":29,"featured_media":64917,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[52,3755],"tags":[1731],"ppma_author":[2622],"class_list":{"0":"post-64909","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-diy","8":"category-suspension","9":"tag-pitman-arm","10":"entry"},"acf":{"adrotate_specific_mobile_ad":"","adrotate_specific_desktop_ad":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Bad Pitman Arm Symptoms, Plus FAQ - In The Garage with CarParts.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"When the pitman arm goes bad or gets damaged, you\u2019ll notice one or more symptoms that you\u2019ll want to address right away. 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