Steering - Pitman Arm Inspection Tip

Article No.
99-21-9

10/18/99

STEERING - PITMAN ARM INSPECTION - SERVICE
TIP

FORD:
1998-2000 CROWN VICTORIA

LINCOLN:
1998-2000 TOWN CAR

MERCURY:
1998-2000 GRAND MARQUIS

ISSUE
The Workshop Manuals for 1998-2000 Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis and Town Car do not contain a procedure for inspecting the pitman arm ball joint for wear.

ACTION
The pitman arm ball joint on 1998-2000 Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis and Town Car vehicles can be inspected by referring to the following Inspection Procedure.

INSPECTION PROCEDURE

1. Raise vehicle on hoist.

2. Visually inspect the pitman arm ball joint seal. If it is cut or torn, replace the pitman arm (refer to the appropriate Workshop Manual for pitman arm service procedure).

3. Pull down on the centerlink to take any play out of the pitman arm ball joint. Measure the distance from the top of the pitman arm forging to the bottom of the centerlink using digital calipers. Attach a C-clamp between the top of the pitman arm ball joint socket and the pitman arm ball stud. Tighten the C-clamp to fully compress the ball joint and measure from the top of the pitman arm forging to the bottom of the centerlink again. Subtract the second measurement from the first to get the total movement.

4. If more than 2.78 mm (0.110") movement is measured, replace the pitman arm (refer to the appropriate Workshop Manual for service procedure).

5. The nut attaching the pitman arm to the centerlink can be reused.

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE
WARRANTY STATUS: INFORMATION ONLY
OASIS CODES: 303000, 304000, 390000