Steering arms
 

I have replaced the steering arms on my car. Question- how do I know when they are aligned properly in the holder. Do I use a level on top of the ball and match the angle to the horizontal axle angle? Is there another method?

Thanks again

Bob

Re: Steering arms
 

If I understand your situation correctly, there is no adjustment to 'aligned properly'. There is a flat face on the arm that fits tight against a corresponding flat face on the spindle. When the nut is tightened correctly there should be no adjustment possible. If I am wrong, a more knowledgeable person will log in.

Re: Steering arms
 

Yea, I was kinda where you are RR…no adjustment
School me if wrong pls

Re: Steering arms
 

Bill, theoretically you are correct however I find many arms have been run loose where sometimes there may be some rotational movement between the Steering Arm and the Spindle. It probably does not hurt to run them worn however a drop of weld onto the flat spot of the arm and then grind the weld to fit the spindle is a quick way to make sure it doesn't rotate loose.

Re: Steering arms
 

As best I can tell the arm rotates in the socket before being tightened down such that the ball can be vertical or at an angle to vertical. It is the angle I am wondering about as that changes the drag link clearance to the other parts

Re: Steering arms
 

The arrow shows the flat on the steering arm that should keep it from rotating.

Re: Steering arms
 

A friend's car had a shimmy and he asked me over to take a look the other day. The right steering arm wiggled a little bit and we were able to tighten up the nut one flat. He says it made all the difference after a short test drive.

Re: Steering arms
 

Vertical for sure. If you position it 90 degrees either way, the tie rod ends will not attach.

Re: Steering arms
 

I remember years ago Al Lapore had a gauge for the fit on those. If they were too loose, he cull and wouldn’t install new balls on them. I can see where a bit of weld and test fitting would cure that