Cognito Motorsports is offering a new aftermarket solution for units of the Chevy Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD with prematurely worn-out pitman and idler arms. As Cognito points out, this issue can result in lane drift, excessive play in the steering wheel, or suspension that constantly falls out of alignment. Luckily, the solution to this issue is relatively inexpensive.
Per a video recently uploaded by Cognito Motorsports, a “factory design flaw” in the Chevy Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD pitman and idler arms can result in these parts wearing out faster than expected, causing the truck’s steering to feel loose and the alignment to shift. The worn out components can also lead to the front tires wearing out more quickly than normal.
To fix this issue, Cognito Motorsports is now offering a new Steering Alignment Brace Kit. The kit works to reinforce the weak points in the steering system, making the whole setup more durable and reliable, and as a result, keeping the truck’s steering tight and the alignment in check, even after driving for thousands of miles.
Installing the Cognito brace kit is relatively simple, and could save truck owners a lot of money in the long run. The kit can also improve overall fuel economy and increase tire life.
The Cognito Motorsport Steering Alignment Brace Kit is available to order online at cognitosports.com. Per the company’s website, pricing is set between $260 and $290, depending on the model and configuration in question. DIY’ers can also find installation instructions available at Cognito’s website.
Check out Cognito’s promotional video below:
As a reminder, the current Chevy Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD are available with two engine options, including the standard-spec, naturally aspirated 6.6L V8 L8T gasoline engine, rated at 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, and the optional 6.6L V8 L5P turbodiesel Duramax, rated at 470 horsepower and 975 pound-feet of torque. Both engines are paired with the Allison-branded 10-speed automatic transmission, while a more capable variant of the GM T1 platform provides the underpinnings.
Comments
This is the first I’ve heard of this issue. I will guess that the factory parts have no grease zerks which would partially explain the early wear outs. Also adding to the problem is that the joints are likely undersized. Back in the day idler arms, pitman arms, drag links, tie rods, ball joints and some king pins on Fords were all greaseable, but not any more.
GM HD trucks have had 9 grease points up front since at least 2011 and continue to on the upcoming 2026s. GM ships them out bone dry because not even the assembly workers know about them. Downvote, then Google search it.
My 2012 Silverado half ton has a total of 2 zerks, on the tie rod ends. No others in the steering system, suspension, or drive shaft u-joints.
This is not a new product. Been out for years. Installation is also not relatively simple. It requires uncommon box end wrench of 1 & 5/16 and also uncommon strength and fortitude to know what one is doing. The vast majority of boomers on here are still letting the dealer change their oil. They ain’t about to bust off the front steering gear of their HD pickup on a Sunday afternoon.
Likely not true, most of the Boomers on here like me, grew up driving cars and trucks from the 60’s and 70’s that we worked on regularly and even overhauled in our driveways and garages. I still change my own oil and do most of my vehicle maintenance myself except for AC, AT, and internal engine work. I’m not a mechanic by trade, but I do it for personal satisfaction and to save a few bucks. I have collected a nice set of tools over the past 50 years that will likely go to auction when I’m done with them because I don’t see any young people interested in working on cars anymore, sad.
I think we are all about worn out with GM’s continuous screw ups. Anything else wrong while we are at it?