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Question

Difficulty: MediumSteering Systems

A technician inspecting a rear-wheel-drive truck with a conventional parallelogram steering system finds that the center link dips and pivots loosely on the passenger side during steering maneuvers. Which component is mounted to the vehicle frame to support that side of the center link and keep it level?

  1. A
    Sway bar end link
  2. Idler armAnswer
  3. C
    Differential axle shaft
  4. D
    Brake caliper slide pin

Answer

Idler arm
In a parallelogram steering linkage, the pitman arm transfers steering force from the gearbox on the driver side, while the idler arm is bolted to the passenger side frame rail to support the other end of the center link. The idler arm maintains the center link at the correct horizontal height and orientation throughout the steering angle.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the layout of a parallelogram steering linkage
Recognized that the steering gear sector shaft drives the pitman arm on the driver side, which attaches to one end of the center link (drag link).
Understanding the structural components of the linkage establishes how motion and weight support are distributed across the front chassis.
2
Determine the component providing opposite-side pivot support
The idler arm is fastened to the passenger side frame rail and holds the opposite end of the center link.
Without an idler arm pivot point, the center link would sag on the passenger side and cause erratic steering geometry changes and severe wandering.

Key Concept

Parallelogram Steering Linkage Components and Function
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Steering Systems

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