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airjunky · 03-01-2014, 07:54 AM

Anyone know what the nut that attaches the drag link to the pitman arm should be torqued to on a 2005 Freightliner XCS chassis with a solid front axle?

FIRE UP · 03-01-2014, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by airjunky

Anyone know what the nut that attaches the drag link to the pitman arm should be torqued to on a 2005 Freightliner XCS chassis with a solid front axle?

airjunky,
First, is that a "Castle" nut? If so, it's not so much that the proper torque be applied, it's more of getting it good and tight and, enough to line up the "castles" so that the cotter pin will go through them and secure it on there. I've had those off of several vehicles and never torqued them, only got them tight and then adjust for castle alignment.

Now, if it's not a castle nut, then I suppose there is a specified torque which, I cannot help you with. Good luck.
Scott

airjunky · 03-01-2014, 11:28 AM

Yes, I am talking about the castle nut. Thanks for your input.
Mike

ladagobago · 03-01-2014, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by airjunky

Yes, I am talking about the castle nut. Thanks for your input.
Mike

Last fall my repair facility told me I had a clunk in the steering and need a new drag link. Well it appears that FL does not stock them and it would take about 2 or more month to get a new one. Since I did not feel any looseness in the steering I went on my way to Florida. When I got there, had the DW rock the steering wheel and notice the draglink was loose on the castle nut.

Went to HD and got a big box wrench and removed the castle nut to inspect the surfaces for wear etc. everything looked fine so I replaced the castle nut and began to tighten the nut. Let me tell you it took a lot of force to get the nut into the proper location to reinsert the cotter pin. Actually had to use a hammer to get the final tightness.

my guess is that this nut was never installed properly but it is now. One thing about a castle nut and the drag link is that you should never reverse the nut to fit because it will be loose.

Hooligan · 03-01-2014, 10:02 PM

Mike: In 2004, I replaced the grease seal on the drag link to Pittman arm, notes I have from TRW was the torque for the Drag link was 160 to 300 ft/lbs. Align the nut with cotter key, next castle after 160'#. (basically the same as the others posted)
2000 XCS chassis, seal replaced in 2004.