- Bump steer
- Steering that moves by itself as the suspension moves.
- Centerlink
- On many IFS trucks, the bar between pitman arm and idler arm that the tie rods hang from.
- Crossover steering
- A drag link that runs across the truck to the far knuckle.
- DOM
- Drawn-over-mandrel steel tubing.
- Drag link
- The link from pitman arm to knuckle (or tie rod).
- Double shear
- A bolt supported on both sides of the joint.
- Heim joint / rod end
- A spherical bearing in a threaded housing, mounted with a straight bolt.
- Idler arm
- The pivot that supports the passenger end of a centerlink.
- Lash
- Free play at the steering wheel before the wheels move.
- Pitman arm
- The arm on the steering box output shaft.
- Rack-and-pinion
- A steering gear where a pinion moves a toothed rack side to side.
- Sector shaft
- The steering box output shaft.
- Stabilizer
- A damper on the steering linkage.
- Toe
- How much the front tires point in or out. Set by tie rod length.
- Track bar (panhard bar)
- Locates a solid axle side to side.
- Death wobble
- Violent front-end shake on solid-axle vehicles, usually from worn or loose parts.
Where this comes from
- MotorTrend (4-Wheel & Off-Road): 4x4 truck steering system parts
- MotorTrend: How steering works
- MotorTrend: Steering you straight, Heim joints vs tie-rod ends
- eCFR: 49 CFR 393.209, steering wheel systems
- DrivingLine: Dodge death wobble, causes and cures
Last reviewed 2026-10-19. General information only: your vehicle and part maker's instructions come first.