Galaxian

Hi Evrybody - I want to know what following Parts do:

Which function does the Ball Stud of the Power Steering have?

Which function does the Idler Arm have?

And which function does the Pitman Arm have?

Can anybody answer this to me?

Thanks,

Oliver from Germany

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Through the Galaxie and much more beyond...

Butchart

Hi Oli:
Will try and answer your questions for you.
First the pitman arm is the arm that is on the end of a shaft of the steering box and this connects to the Ball Stud of the power steering control valve. The Ball Stud is in a sleeve called the ball stud socket. The ball stud has a cup or seat on each side. I won't go into detail, but as the steering wheel is moved to the right or to the left with a certain amount of pressure, the ball stud moves the control valve in the power steering system. The power steering control valve is connected to the steering arm-to-idler arm rod. At the other end of this rod (on passenger side) is the Idler Arm, Its function is to support the end of this rod. It also (the idler arm) has two bushings, one is pressed on the Rod and the other is connected to a support on the frame of the car. These bushings are of a torsion type and will aid in returning the wheels of the car to a straight line.
On cars with standard steering the pitman arm (on early sixties Fords) connects to the drivers side of the arm-to-idler arm rod. If your car has power steering it is not advisable to drive any distance if the power steering system fails. This puts undo pressure on the ball stud and could force it out of the socket causing to lose your steering, especially if the ball stud socket is worn. Also good idea to keep it greased when you grease the rest of the vehicle.

jwko

Galaxian

Thanks JWKO but I got a Power Steering Unit. Which function does the Ball Stud in the Control Valve has exactly?

What will happen if there´s no grease - like it has to be?? Which Grease should be taken for this??


thanks

Olli

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Through the Galaxie and much more beyond...

Inthegarge

The ball stud allows the steering to move side to side without binding. With no grease things rust up and can lock up (or as mentioned come apart). Any wheel bearing grease or chassis grease should work. You should have a zerk fitting on the socket to keep it greased. You can see it from the front by moving the p/s hoses to the side. Hope this helps. RW