Yesterday i went to get my camaro aligned at firestone because the steering has alot of play in it. They said the pitman arm needed to be replaced before it could be aligned. I read a few other post about the pitman arm and everyone says that it doesn't ware so it shouldn't have to be replaced. I'm not sure what i need to replace to fix the steering play, the idler arm or the steering box?

 

i have a similar problem but i replaced EVERYTHING. idler arm pitman arm tie rods ball joints center link u name it. had it aligned and still have sloppiness. i have no idea why.

 

They could be confusing play in the control arm with play in the pitman arm. The control arm (or drag link) connects the control arm to the tie rod ends (thru the idler arm) and is a common wear item. Check the connection between the pitman arm and the control arm by turning the shaft by hand and watching for play. 'Course there's a few other places to check as well. Report back and we can help walk you thru it.

 

You steering box is the source of about 75% of the slop if you have stock (worn) steering linkages, ball joints, etc. Once you replace that, you're looking about all of the slop coming from the steeringbox. That's why I'm probably going to drop about $500 on a new (not rebuilt) Lee Manufacturing box. That, and I'm retarded.