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Thread: is any amount of play in the pitman arms acceptable?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    NYC
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    479

    Default is any amount of play in the pitman arms acceptable?

    I'm about to order a new set from, my left has more play than the right is that normal? they only have about 44k miles on them.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
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    Eastern Tennessee USi
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    14,839

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    pitman arms?
    95 E34 530I V2.37
    ===========
    Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.

    John F. Kennedy

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2004
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    Sydney, Australia
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    2,699

    Default

    i was thinking the same thing, however i rulled out the pitman arm becasue he's getting a set. play is acceptable untill they break however how much play you want depends on how you like the ride.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2004
    Posts
    558

    Default I just replaced the tie rod ends and...

    stabilizer links last weekend. Also, replaced the center tie rod link while I was at it. The pitman arms didn't have any play but the center tie rod link did. Any kind of play no matter how insignificant it is begs for replacement. I would replace them even though they may be a PITA to replace.

    Quote Originally Posted by Jason
    I'm about to order a new set from, my left has more play than the right is that normal? they only have about 44k miles on them.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
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    Eastern Tennessee USi
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    right, if in question replace them.
    95 E34 530I V2.37
    ===========
    Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.

    John F. Kennedy

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
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    3,395

    Default

    Like Jeff, I'm confused as to what "pitman arm" implies in this context. The pitman arm extends from the steering box to the center link and has no bushings or ball joints to wear out (the center link, however, has a bushing and can wear). The Idler arm trails the pitman arm and has a sleeved bushing that can wear out over a long time. Again, it's normally the center link that wears out first.

    best, whit

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
    Location
    Olympia, Wa
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    278

    Default

    How about those two little ones in the rear. Are those pitman arms or dog bones.
    Ted K
    90 535 5-speed

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
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    Eastern Tennessee USi
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    Default

    you never can tell weather people are simply messing with us or are serious...especially when they dont check back for a long time to post an answer to our questions.

    I'm assuming he is talking about that plate that holds the spare down tight in the well...isnt that the pitman arm anyways?

    Quote Originally Posted by lowell
    Like Jeff, I'm confused as to what "pitman arm" implies in this context. The pitman arm extends from the steering box to the center link and has no bushings or ball joints to wear out (the center link, however, has a bushing and can wear). The Idler arm trails the pitman arm and has a sleeved bushing that can wear out over a long time. Again, it's normally the center link that wears out first.

    best, whit
    95 E34 530I V2.37
    ===========
    Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.

    John F. Kennedy

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jun 2004
    Location
    Bay Area, CA
    Posts
    1,825

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Ted K
    How about those two little ones in the rear. Are those pitman arms or dog bones.
    My BMA bill lists those at pitman arms

    www.KaRealtySF.com
    Build Date: 05-1995 /Engine: m50tu /Automatic Transmission /ABS /NO ASC /Open Differential /EAT Chip

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Posts
    1,640

    Default

    Pitman arms are the two support arms that connect the center link to the frame.
    Bellevue WA
    90 535iM - not much stock remains. 3.7 liters, ported head, cammed, 3.73 diffy, M5 brakes, MAFed, yadda yadda yadda
    86 Porsche 951 - Track Toy

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