FE-FC Holden Discussion Forum

Technical Board => Restoration Help => Topic started by: Rabbitoh on May 11, 2006, 02:32:01 AM



Title: Silly Question
Post by: Rabbitoh on May 11, 2006, 02:32:01 AM
What other part name does 'drag link' refer to?
Can't find it in my workshop manual.


Title: Re: Silly Question
Post by: King on May 11, 2006, 04:26:35 AM
The drag link is the rod between the Pitman arm and the idler arm of the steering assembly. Same design, operation and adjustment technique as the tie rod. Just another rod with threaded ends and two ball joints.


Title: Re: Silly Question
Post by: Rabbitoh on May 11, 2006, 04:43:53 AM
Thanks for sharing King.  :-[


Title: Re: Silly Question
Post by: RET on May 11, 2006, 05:16:32 AM
Otherwise known as a "ROD - Steering Connecting", although it's a tube more than a rod.  Holes at each end, plus four more on the sides of the rod for the ball-joints on the tie-rods, the idler and the pitman arms.  (Pitman arm is the the link to the steering box that turns through an arc, idler the matching item on the LHS).  Part number 7409097, it's item #18 on the "Steering Control" exploded parts diagram if you've got a Master Parts Catalogue.

This ($2) might also be useful.

Sorry, don't have a workshop manual handy to give you a page reference.

cheers
RET


Title: Re: Silly Question
Post by: Rabbitoh on May 11, 2006, 09:32:52 PM
Thanks for the info. RET.
I have been requested to "adjust drag link" as one of the items on my Roadworthy certificate inspection. How involved is this task? Should I get my mechanic to do it for me?


Title: Re: Silly Question
Post by: REDMR2RED on May 11, 2006, 10:23:25 PM
From the FE FC Workshop Manual

One end of the steering connecting rod is mounted to the pitman arm and the other end to the steering idler arm.  When installing the steering connecting rod, the opening for the left hand tie ball rod stud is closer to the end of the rod than the opening for the right hand stud.  
Steering connecting rod parts in correct sequence of assembly are illustrated in Fig 3-9 Page 3-6 of the Workshop manual. (I can email you a pic if you want it)

Adjustment
Pitman Arm End: turn down tight and then back off 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 turns.
Idler Lever End: turn down tight and then back off 1/4 to 1/2 turn.

(this is assuming components, balls, etc. are in good condition)

After adjustment, toe-in must be checked and adjusted if necessary.

Hope that helps, Kevin


Title: Re: Silly Question
Post by: Rabbitoh on May 11, 2006, 10:30:11 PM
Thanks Kevin.
Got a workshop manual and master parts catalogue.
Shouldn't be a problem, now that I know what a drag link is.