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Topic: Pitman arm ball joint boot is off (Read 539 times) previous topic - next topic

Pitman arm ball joint boot is off

The boot is slipping off just a bit and I can't get it back on due to the angle. Can I just loosen that clamp that's a few inches down the steering linkage and twist it until it's aligned?
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: Pitman arm ball joint boot is off

Reply #1 –
From your picture it looks like the other end is tilted the same way.
The seals will keep it sealed even as it swivels. As you have had your
alinement just done I would emagent that there is no play in the ball joints.
If the back one is inline you can adjust the front one.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Pitman arm ball joint boot is off

Reply #2 –
Quote from: oldguy –
From your picture it looks like the other end is tilted the same way.
The seals will keep it sealed even as it swivels. As you have had your
alinement just do I would emagent that there is no play in the ball joints.
If the back one is inline you can adjust the front one.
Correct, the other end is also tilted that way.

Sorry, I don't quite follow the rest of what you said though. I *can* adjust the front one to be better aligned with the ball joint?
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: Pitman arm ball joint boot is off

Reply #3 –
If the back one is inline loosen the front clamp and turn the front joint to align. It will move the steering wheel very slightly and probably not noticeable. If the rear is misaligned the opposite of the front don't loosen anything just turn the drag link to align.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Pitman arm ball joint boot is off

Reply #4 –
They are built to rotate a bit and will naturally seek whatever position they like naturally. You can just twist and both with rotate on the ball but may return back we're they currently are. A little grease will also cause them to bulge out and may stay centered better, at least the boot won't be creased as much.
Scott

Re: Pitman arm ball joint boot is off

Reply #5 –
Actually, we have had DP's that required a weight on the trailing arm for it to "rest in the neutral position".

Not rocket science.

But first is to rotate to the "neutral" position and drive it. 

If it continues to "skew", let us know.  EASY to remedy. 

OR IGNORE IT FOR THE NEXT 50K MILES.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Pitman arm ball joint boot is off

Reply #6 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
OR IGNORE IT FOR THE NEXT 50K MILES.
Not sure if you're serious but this sounds great  ^.^d
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: Pitman arm ball joint boot is off

Reply #7 –
Serious and correct

Re: Pitman arm ball joint boot is off

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Elliott –
Not sure if you're serious but this sounds great  ^.^d

True.

Keep the joints lubed and ONLY replace if there is play.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Pitman arm ball joint boot is off

Reply #9 –
I have a boot missing too. I rapped a rag around it and taped it in place to help
keep the grease in and I will grease it more often. I use a molly grease and it is
hard to wash out.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport