Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Steering Linkage

The steering linkage consists of a pitman arm, idler arm, relay rod and two adjustable tie rods. On some four wheel drive models, a steering shock absorber is attached to the relay rod.

When the steering wheel is turned, the gear rotates the pitman arm which forces the relay rod to one side. The tie rods, which are connected to the relay rod by ball studs, transfer the steering force to the wheels. The tie rods are adjustable and are used for toe-in adjustments. The relay rod is supported by the pitman arm and idler arm. The idler arm pivots on a support attached to the frame rail. The steering shock absorber is attached to the frame and relay arm.