Steering Linkage Chevrolet Forward Control P30

DESCRIPTION

Description not used for this article.

SERVICE PRECAUTIONS

All steering component fasteners are made of special quality materials. Replacement fasteners must be of same part number or equivalent. Torque all fasteners to specification and install new cotter pins. When installing cotter pins, do not back off castle nuts to align cotter pin hole, tighten nut to next slot that lines up with hole.

DO NOT hammer on ball studs or damage to threads may result. If threads are not clean and smooth, ball studs may turn in joint when nuts are tightened. Sleeve clamps must always be positioned as specified before tightening bolts.

TROUBLE SHOOTING

Refer to TROUBLE SHOOTING - BASIC PROCEDURES article in the GENERAL TROUBLE SHOOTING section.

Scheme 1

1. Remove tie rod fasteners. Use Tie Rod Remover (J-6627), or remove outer ball stud by tapping on steering arm at tie rod end. Use a light hammer with a heavy hammer as backing. Remove inner ball stud from relay rod in same manner.
2. To remove tie rod ends from tie rod, loosen clamp bolts and unscrew end assemblies. If tie rod adjuster clamp bolts are rusted, new nuts and bolts must be used
3. Apply penetrating oil between clamps and tube. Rotate clamps until they move freely. Use new fasteners to assure proper clamping force.
4. Lubricate tie rod threads with chassis lube and install tie rod ends. Ensure both are threaded an equal distance from tie rod. Check that threads on ball studs and nuts are clean and smooth.
5. Check condition of ball stud seals and replace if necessary. Install ball studs in steering arms and relay rod.
6. Install ball stud nuts and new cotter pins. Adjust toe-in. See appropriate WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article in WHEEL ALIGNMENT section at the end of this article.
7. Before tightening tie rod adjusting sleeve clamp bolt, ensure clamps are between locating dimples at either end of sleeve. Adjuster sleeve slot must not be within open area of clamp jaw opening. (Scheme 2)and (Scheme 3). (Scheme 1): "C" Series Steering Linkage
8. Rotate both inner and outer tie rod housings rearward to limit of ball joint travel before tightening clamps. After tightening clamps, return tie rod assembly to center of travel.
9. Check each tie rod for a rotation of at least 35° using a bubble protractor and a pair of vise grips. Lubricate inner and outer tie rod ends.

Removal & Installation

1. Remove inner ends of tie rods from relay rod. Remove nuts from pitman arm and idler arm ball studs at relay rod. Remove relay rod from pitman and idler arms by tapping on relay rod ball stud bosses.
2. Use a light hammer with heavy hammer as a backing. Remove relay rod. To install, reverse removal procedure. Check ball studs and nuts for clean and smooth threads. Check stud seals and replace if necessary. Torque nuts and install new cotter pins.

1. Place vehicle on hoist. Remove fasteners from ball stud and relay rod. Remove ball stud from relay rod by tapping on relay rod boss with a light hammer (use heavy hammer as a backing). Remove idler arm-to-frame bolts and remove idler arm assembly. NOTE: Idler arm assembly should always be replaced if an up and down force of 25 lbs. (11 kg), applied at relay rod end of idler arm, produces a lash of more than 1/8" (3 mm) in straight-ahead position.
2. Ensure that threads on studs and nuts are clean and smooth. Check ball stud seals and replace if necessary. To install, reverse removal procedure.
3. Install connecting rod. Ensure long end of rod is toward pitman arm. Check for proper alignment of connecting rod clamps. (Scheme 2)and (Scheme 3).

Tie Rod Clamp Position. Scheme 2

Tie Rod Clamp Tightness. Scheme 3

1. Remove cotter pin from pitman arm ball stud and remove nut. Remove pitman arm or relay rod from ball stud by tapping on side of rod or arm (in which stud mounts) with a hammer while using heavier hammer as a backing.
2. Remove pitman arm nut from shaft or clamp bolt from pitman arm, and index mark arm-to-shaft position. Remove pitman arm from shaft using Puller (J-6632). To install, reverse removal procedure.
3. If a clamp-type pitman arm is used, spread pitman arm with a wedge just enough to slip arm onto shaft by hand pressure. DO NOT hammer on or damage to steering gear may result. Be sure to reinstall the hardened steel washer before installing nut.

Removal & Installation (4WD Model)

1. Remove cotter pins from ball studs and remove castle nuts. Remove ball studs from steering arm and pitman arm boss by tapping with a light hammer while using a heavy hammer as a backing.
2. To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure threads on studs and nuts are clean and smooth. Check ball stud seals and replace if necessary.
3. Install connecting rod on steering components, tighten nuts and install new cotter pins. Ensure connecting rod clamps are properly aligned. (Scheme 2)

WHEEL ALIGNMENT

After performing appropriate service procedures, refer to appropriate WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article in the WHEEL ALIGNMENT section below.

1. WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES (for Astro)
2. WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES (for Blazer, Jimmy, Pickup, Suburban)
3. WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES (for S/T Blazer, S10, S/T Jimmy & S15)
4. WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES (for Van)
5. WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES (for Safari)

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS