Play in steering (NA Pajero)...

Joined: 30 Nov 2004 Location: Far South Coast NSW

I have a 83 NA SWB Pajero. There is some play in the steering. Its fine around town but out on thw highway its a bit dangerous as the car drifts all over the road. I've had a quick look underneath while my wife moved the steering wheel back & forth slightly. I can see where the play is but I dont know what the part is called. Where the play is there is a bolt end with a nut & a cotter pin holding it in place.
Is there some sort of bush or somthing in side this area where the bolt goes through. How easy/hard is it to fix?

Dan

Joined: 11 Jan 2004 Location: Adelaide

I'm guessing it's a ball joint, which should be relatively straight forward to replace. You could take it to a suspension specialist for a quote, but be aware that some of them have a reputation for quoting that EVERYTHING needs to be replaced.

Cheers,

Scott

Joined: 30 Nov 2004 Location: Far South Coast NSW

How hard would it be to fix myself & how much would it cost. What parts would I need. (as you can tell, I dont know much about this).
Here is a pic of the area that has the play.

(If the pic doesnt work go here: www.razorlazer.o-f.com/pajero.html
Instead of staying vertical when moving the steering wheel back & forth, it tilts to each side first before moving the wheels. I dont know whether the play is in the lower arm or the upper arm in the picture.
Anyhelp is greatly appreciated. I cant afford to get someone else to fix it so I have to give it a go myself so all help is needed.

Regards
Dan

Joined: 04 Apr 2004 Location: Aotearoa

Hi Dan
That is your steering box "drop arm".It requires a puller to draw it from the steering box.Approx cost pirate new NZ $60 and about an hour to fit.
I think it is beyond your tool and knowledge base to change yourself.
J Top

Joined: 06 Jan 2003 Location: USA

you should be able to change the pitman arm your self its not hard just remember to put the new one on in the same position as the old or your aliment is gonna be far off. you'll need a pitman puller and a helps hammer.