IDLER ARM - On an automobile or truck with conventional parallelogram steering, the Idler Arm or idler arm assembly is a pivoting support for the steering linkage. The idler arm consists of a rod which pivots on a bracket attached to the frame of the vehicle on one end and supports a ball joint on the other end. Generally, an idler arm is attached between the opposite side of the center link from the Pitman arm and the vehicle's frame to hold the center link at the proper height. ...

PITMAN ARM - The Pitman arm is a steering component in an automobile or truck. The Pitman arm is a linkage attached to the steering box sector shaft that converts the angular motion of the sector shaft into the linear motion needed to steer the wheels. The Pitman arm is supported by the sector shaft and supports the drag link with a ball joint. It transmits the motion it receives from the steering box into the drag link, causing it to move left or right to turn the wheels in the appropriate direction.

BALL JOINTS - The upper and lower ball joints allow the spindle to rotate when steered, and move vertically to absorb road bumps at the same time. They are constructed of an inner ball which is bolted to the spindle, and a socket, which is bolted to the control arm. They are lubricated to prevent wear through their grease fittings.

CONTROL ARMS AND BUSHINGS - A control arm is a bar with a pivot at each end, used to attach suspension members to the chassis. When coil springs are used in both front and rear suspension, three or four control arms are placed between the rear axle housing and the frame to carry driving and brake torque. The lower control arms pivot on the frame members and sometimes support the rear coil springs to provide for up-and-down movement of the axle and wheel assembly. A-arms are control arms with two inboard pivots, giving strength. Some front end designs use control arms instead of A-arms, usually to save weight and add adjustability.

STEERING LINKS AND TIE ROD ENDS - The steering linkage is made of interconnected parts which move every time the steering wheel is turned. The rotating movement of the steering column activates mechanisms inside the steering box. Tie rod ends, which join the key parts, pass on the steering wheel's motion no matter what the angle of the linkage or the vibration from the road. In a pitman arm steering setup, the movement inside the steering box causes the Pitman shaft and arm to rotate, applying leverage to the relay rod, which passes the movement to the tie rods. The steering arms pick up the motion from the tie rods and cause the steering knuckles to turn the wheels. The steering linkages need regular maintenance for safe operation, such as lubrication and inspection. Faulty steering links can cause tire wear at the least, and complete loss of control of the vehicle at worst. "Popping" noises (when turning the wheels) usually indicate worn out steering linkages.
Tie rod ends are utilized in the steering linkage, steering knuckle pivot supports, and various other hinge mechanisms. Ball joints that join the key parts of the steering linkage pass on the steering wheel's motion no matter what the angle of the linkage or the vibration from the road.

STABILIZER / SWAY BAR LINKS - Some cars require stabilizers to steady the chassis against front end roll and sway on turns. Stabilizers are designed to control this centrifugal tendency that forces a rising action on the side toward the inside of the turn. When the car turns and begins to lean over, the sway bar uses the upward force on the outer wheel to lift on the inner wheel, thus keeping the car more level.