Center Link/Drag Link

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the center link (drag link) on 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with recirculating ball steering. This component connects the pitman arm to the steering linkage.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Center link / drag link assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pins (3/16 inch) × 2 — Standard automotive
• Tie rod end dust boots (if damaged) — Inspect and replace as needed

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels securely
3. Raise front of vehicle and support on jack stands at manufacturer lift points
4. Remove both front wheels for access to steering components
5. Spray all castle nuts and tapered connections with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Access steering linkage
   From under the vehicle, locate the center link which runs horizontally across the front of the vehicle connecting the pitman arm on the driver side to the idler arm on the passenger side. Identify the two tie rod ends that connect to the center link.
2. 2

   Remove outer tie rod end cotter pins
   Locate the castle nuts securing both outer tie rod ends to the center link. Using needle nose pliers, straighten and remove the cotter pins from both castle nuts. Discard old cotter pins.
3. 3

   Loosen tie rod end castle nuts
   Using an 18mm wrench, loosen but do not fully remove the castle nuts on both outer tie rod ends where they connect to the center link. Leave the nuts threaded on a few turns to prevent sudden separation.
4. 4

   Separate outer tie rod ends from center link
   Using a ball joint separator or pickle fork, carefully separate the tapered studs of both outer tie rod ends from the center link. Work the separator between the tie rod end and center link mounting boss. Tap with a hammer if needed. Once loose, remove castle nuts completely and lower tie rod ends away from center link.
   ⚠Tapered joints may separate suddenly when pressure is released. Keep hands clear.
5. 5

   Remove pitman arm cotter pin and nut
   Locate where the center link connects to the pitman arm on the driver side. Remove the cotter pin and loosen the castle nut securing the center link ball stud to the pitman arm. Leave nut threaded a few turns.
6. 6

   Separate center link from pitman arm
   Using the ball joint separator, separate the center link ball stud from the pitman arm. Once loose, remove the castle nut completely.
7. 7

   Remove idler arm connection
   On the passenger side, remove the cotter pin and castle nut securing the center link to the idler arm bracket. Use the ball joint separator to separate the tapered connection. Remove the center link assembly from the vehicle.
8. 8

   Inspect and clean mating surfaces
   Inspect the tapered holes in the pitman arm and idler arm for damage, excessive wear, or elongation. Clean all tapered surfaces and mounting points with a wire brush. Inspect tie rod end dust boots and replace if torn or damaged.
9. 9

   Install new center link to idler arm
   Position the new center link assembly under the vehicle. Insert the ball stud on the passenger side end into the idler arm bracket. Install the castle nut and tighten to specification. Ensure the tapered stud is fully seated before tightening.
   ℹ️Ensure tapered surfaces are clean and dry for proper seating.
   Torque spec

   Castle Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install center link to pitman arm
    Insert the driver side ball stud of the center link into the pitman arm. Install the castle nut and tighten to specification. Verify the stud is fully seated in the tapered hole.
    Torque spec

    Castle Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install cotter pins on pitman and idler connections
    Install new cotter pins through the castle nuts at both the pitman arm and idler arm connections. The slots in the castle nut must align with the hole in the ball stud. If needed, tighten the nut slightly (never loosen) to achieve alignment. Bend cotter pin ends to secure.
12. 12

    Connect outer tie rod ends to center link
    Insert both outer tie rod end ball studs into their respective mounting points on the center link. Install castle nuts and tighten to specification. Ensure tapered studs are fully seated.
    Torque spec

    Castle Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install tie rod end cotter pins
    Install new cotter pins through both tie rod end castle nuts. Align castle nut slots with ball stud holes by tightening slightly if necessary. Bend cotter pin ends to secure.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheels
    Reinstall both front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower vehicle to ground and torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. All castle nuts must have new cotter pins properly installed and secured
2. Verify all tapered connections are tight with no play
3. Check that dust boots on tie rod ends are intact and properly seated

Verification

• Start engine and turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary. Listen for any unusual noises or binding
• With wheels on ground, check for any play in steering linkage by having an assistant turn the steering wheel slightly while you observe center link connections
• Test drive vehicle in a safe area at low speed. Steering should be responsive with no unusual vibrations or looseness
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment as soon as possible. Steering geometry will be affected by center link replacement

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle