Steering Ball Orientation

J

jeepguy1948

Well-known member
Which direction does the steering ball on the Pitman Arm go, ball toward the inside or ball to the outside? I’m trying to sort out the steering linkage on this “New to Me” RHD Phaeton. Prior to me someone installed the teflon steering cups and did not re assemble it correctly and I’m trying to sort it out. Thanks
 
According to the Snyders website the RHD cars use a different pitman arm then the LHD car does and they do not appear to have the parts for the RHD so I have no pictures to help me out. I know that I have the correct drag link because it is different than the LHD drag link I have on the shelf but I have no clue if I have the correct pitman arm.
 
On the RHD the ball is the same and similarly points inwards. BUT the RHD pitman arm itself has a slightly different "twist" to it. On my RHD phaeton I got round this problem by having a new ball competently welded into the existing RHD pitman arm. AFAIK new RHD Pitman arms are not available in UK, but New Zealandand Australia have a good general stock of RHD parts so it may be worth searching worlwide stocks via internet. Good Hunting!
 
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To all my RHD friends; I took a look at the pitman arm and I can see what you are talking about when you say that the arm is twisted, the ball is clearly rotated toward the rear of the car. Is that the way it should be on a RHD car?
 
Well, I must correct myself! ...Belchers website in UK say they have new RHD pitman arms https://www.belchers.uk/ (at a price that people in the USA will find eye watering!) I'll try and get you photo tomorrow jeepguy - nightime here now
 
I don’t see why I couldn’t heat it and re twist it, we do that to steering arms all the time, just have to let it air cool no water.
 
I heated and twisted my LHD shortened drop arm to suit RHD. I wrapped the ball in a wet rag with a stream of water keeping it cool to avoid affecting the hardness. The arm according to Snyders was forged from 4130 which is an oil hardening steel. After bending I cooled it slowly in air with a feathery flame, keeping the ball cold all the while. That was 20 years ago so memory fades!
SAJ in NZ
 
We produce a new short righthand drive pitman arm , also remember balls in , Free freight too Sonora or Pendelton Meet May __June 2026, If ordered ,
 
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