Trying To Get Blue Slip... Told I Need To Replace Pitman Arm?

[jackbyo]

Hey

so the council tells me that in a week or so they are gonna tow my ke55 corolla (pic attached) if it's not registered or off the street
so anyways, i just recently bought it, it's been in a garage for a couple years and obviously needs a blue slip before i can get rego.

It's at a mechanic around the corner, and he just told me on the phone that the pitman arm is worn and needs replacing... but thing is, i've driven it around a bit and didnt notice any free play on the steering wheel or anything, and am worried he might be trying to squeeze me because he might assume that he'd have to do it up on a lift

well im wondering first of all how to double check it really does need replacing, and if so how big of a job it is for someone who's just started learning?
All i've done is replace filters, change oil, coolant, leads and spark plugs and a couple other odds and ends

cheers

[fixeruperer]

need two people, one rocking the steering wheel from side to side and the other looking at the pitman arm to see if you can see it rocking loose on the steering box shaft (sector shaft).

["Z" UTE]

The mechanic will also fail a pitman arm if there is vertical movement at the ball end. That is an easy check, reach under the car and push the drag link up and down. Movement = fail.

cheers Chuck.

[Silly Rabbit]

..probably one of the most common RWC items.......that along with worn ball joints.....you could almost guarantee they will pick them on any car 20+ years old....whether or not they actually are worn is another matter .......cheap enough fix if you can do it yourself.

[oldcorollas]

use a pair of multigrips and squeze the joint, if it moves, it is worn.. most original ones will be.

if that is all it takes to get a blue slip.. kinda worth it

[jackbyo]

Thanks for the help guys

Seeing as i need to track down another pitman arm, can they be had new?
I'm guessing that most of them at the same age would likely be just as rough.

Cheers

[oldcorollas]

for a KE30/55? can probably still get new from a few aftermarket parts makers..
ring around a few shops today

[jackbyo]

thanks dude

pedders want $140
called around, someone recommended bursons, they want $60 including freight.
edit: Repco will get me one for $40! and i think ill just get the mechanic to chuck it in for me

cheeers

[jackbyo]

oh hey oldcorollas, just wondering something... he told me i need a rear center seatbelt... I didnt think that the ke55 hard top was made for 5 passengers?

["Z" UTE]

jackbyo, you will need a pitman arm puller to remove the old arm from the steering box. Scribe or paint a centreline down the guts of the old arm and across the the top of the splined shaft. Remove arm, and transcribe the centeline mark to the new arm to aid alignment when fitting.

cheers Chuck.