Why This Comes First
The OBS steering system uses a recirculating ball steering box connected to the front wheels through a series of joints and linkages — the idler arm, pitman arm, centre link and tie rod ends. On a 30-year-old truck that has lived in the UAE, every single one of those joints has wear in it. And wear is cumulative: a little slop in the idler arm plus a little slop in the pitman arm plus worn tie rod ends equals a truck that feels like it's steering through a bowl of porridge.
This is always the first job in any steering upgrade because until these wear items are replaced, you cannot accurately diagnose whether the steering box itself is the problem. Many owners buy a new steering box when what they actually needed was a front end rebuild. Do this first, feel the difference, then decide if the box needs attention.
Important: After this job, the vehicle must be 4-wheel aligned. Budget for this — it is not optional. Alignment in Sharjah runs 150–300 AED. Without it, you will eat through your new tie rod ends and tyres prematurely.
What You Actually Gain
What You Need
Mandatory — Replace All Together
- Heavy-Duty Idler Arm Moog K6145 / ACDelco 45C1012
- Heavy-Duty Idler Arm Bracket Moog K6534 (inspect — replace if worn)
- Pitman Arm Moog K6141 / ACDelco 45C1097
- Centre Link (Drag Link) Moog DS800 / ACDelco 45B0025
- Outer Tie Rod Ends (pair) Moog ES3051RL / ACDelco 45A0998 / 45A0999
- Inner Tie Rod Ends (pair) Moog EV800025 / ACDelco 45A0906
Recommended While Front End is Apart
- Front Wheel Bearings (inspect) Timken SET45 or equivalent
- Steering Knuckle Seals Inspect — replace if weeping
- Front CV Boots (4WD) Inspect whilst accessible
What It Will Cost (AED)
| Item | Source | Est. Price (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| HD Idler Arm + Bracket | Sharjah Industrial | 180 – 320 |
| Pitman Arm | Sharjah Industrial | 120 – 220 |
| Centre Link | Sharjah Industrial | 200 – 380 |
| Outer Tie Rod Ends (pair) | Sharjah Industrial | 120 – 240 |
| Inner Tie Rod Ends (pair) | Sharjah Industrial | 140 – 260 |
| 4-Wheel Alignment | Any alignment shop | 150 – 300 |
| Labour | Independent Sharjah mechanic | 300 – 500 |
| Total — Full Job | 1,100 – 2,200 |
Moog parts are the quality benchmark for this job. Avoid unbranded parts on steering components — this is not the place to save 40 AED.
Where to Find the Parts
Sharjah Industrial Area 1
- Bin Duman Auto Spare Parts
- Yankees Auto Parts
- Al Haramain Auto Parts
- ACDelco regional distributors
Call ahead with Moog or ACDelco part numbers. Moog is well-stocked for American trucks in this area.
Alternative Sourcing
- VEGA Auto Spare Parts — Al Quoz, Dubai
- Order via Aramex Shop & Ship from RockAuto (US) for best pricing on full kit
RockAuto Moog kits shipped via Aramex often land cheaper than UAE retail, especially for the full set. Allow 7–10 days.
The Process
- Lift vehicle and support on stands. Remove front wheels both sides.
- Mark tie rod end positions on threads before removal — this preserves approximate alignment and saves time at the alignment shop.
- Remove outer tie rod ends using a ball joint separator. Do not hammer the tapered studs.
- Remove inner tie rod ends from centre link.
- Remove centre link from idler arm and pitman arm.
- Remove idler arm from frame bracket. Inspect bracket — replace if worn or cracked.
- Remove pitman arm from steering box using a pitman arm puller. Do not use a pickle fork — it will damage the seal.
- Install new pitman arm. Torque to 185 Nm.
- Install new idler arm and bracket. Torque bracket bolts to 95 Nm.
- Install new centre link. Connect to pitman arm and idler arm.
- Install new inner and outer tie rod ends. Thread to marked positions.
- Torque all tapered stud nuts. Install cotter pins.
- Refit wheels. Take immediately for 4-wheel alignment.
Hand This Over
"Replace the front end steering components: idler arm, idler arm bracket, pitman arm, centre link, and both inner and outer tie rod ends. Use Moog or ACDelco parts only — no unbranded parts on steering. Use a proper pitman arm puller — do not use a pickle fork on any tapered joints. Mark the tie rod positions before removal. After the job, the vehicle needs a 4-wheel alignment — do not return it without this."
This Upgrade Fits
Verify idler arm part number against your specific model year — there are minor variations across the production run.
Continue the Steering Upgrade Path
- Next — 1.2b Steering Box Upgrade — now that the front end is sorted, you can accurately feel what the box contributes. Many owners find the front end rebuild alone transforms the truck. Others go further.
- Next — 1.2c Borgeson Steering Shaft — eliminates the rag joint flex between the wheel and box. Independent job, can be done any time.