59/60 Pitman Arm Recall??

[David Greenburg]

Brian:

Good luck with that! I tried that approach at a northern Virgina dealer in 1989 when I was still working at NHTSA, and they laughed, but agreed to try and find one from a used parts source. As recounted in my article, what I wound up with was another bad one. I think they were amused to have my '59 60S in their shop for a few days.  Maybe if you found an old time small town dealer somewhere you might find one (and who knows what else?)

[76eldo]

Just a funny thought.
I wouldn't leave any of my cars in anyone's shop for a few days.

If I need one ill get it done right in my own garage.

Really appreciative of all the great info provided.

Brian

[MY 59]

Quote "If I find that I have a "bad" one, I wonder if my local Cadillac dealer would still replace it?  What a great PR stunt!"

I did try that just for a lark! I was on live chat with Cadillac and a few emails went back and forth, they were very helpful but could not source the part, worth a try though
Cannot recall where I got my new one from, but it was of a higher grade metal, and visibly heavier built.

[David Greenburg]

David:

I'm guessing that what you have is the replacement arm made by Rare Parts. The "good" and "bad" OE parts are indistinguishable except for the four digit number (or lack thereof).  The replacement arm that I saw from Rare Parts is noticeabley "chunkier" than either of the OE arms.

[MY 59]

just checked my receipts and cannot find this particular one. however I did do some looking around at the time and did not go for the cheapy stuff.
here is the link to when I replaced the pitman arm, I was unfamiliar with this type of sprung 'compression' steering tube. good design though, everything else I have worked on the arms simply bolt through with tapered fittings.
http://forums.cadillaclasalleclub.org/index.php?topic=125803.msg238746#msg238746