How do I know if the Pitman arm is OD

[Fredward]

On my MC-5A with power assist steering, the pitman arm was a little loose on each end. I pulled the cotter keys and turned each end clockwise about one turn and that snugged everything up. But it got a little sloppy again after a few thousand miles. How can i tell if the whole thing needs rebuilding/replacing? Or can I just keep tightening? Is there a packing that can be replaced? I'll check the manual but just though I'd ask you guys/gals for real world information.
Fred

[Sammy]

Pitman arm is mounted to steering box and the other side usually connects to the drag link.
Drag link goes between pitman arm and L/steering arm.Center link goes between both steering arms,which are attached to your Left and Right spindles and it has a tie rod end on each side.
I would replace the ends you are speaking of,grease and secure them properly.
Steering is a very safety sensitive item, I would not take any chances - no pun intended.
Good luck with your repair.

[Fredward]

In that case I mean drag link. Thanks for the clarification.
Fred

[Airbag]

There is a service bulletin on that subject Service Bulletin 174. It relates to steering linkage arm and I'll be damn if I can find a copy of it. I have not had any trouble with mine to date but maybe a call to MCI might be in order? Please keep us posted.

Rick

[NJT 5573]

The setup you are describing with pins across the end are used to lock the jam screw from turning and for adjustment. There is a ball inside with a spring and shoe that rides on the ball to keep it snug. The spring gives the appearance and feel of looseness or wear when it is really just doing its job.

DOT loves to write these up as wear, but a new one does the same thing. I draw DOT a picture and then they back off because you can't make a spring setup tight when you wiggle the steering.

Take it apart and clean it up to see if there is wear on the ball and shoe or the spring is broken. If the ball looks good and the spring and shoe are ok, put it back togather, give it a grease job and put it into the wind.

The pitman arm is usually held on the steering box with a large nut, the nut torques to about 400 pounds or they won't stay tight.