What type of wear condition will lead to a reject for the pitman arm in inspections?

The condition of looseness of the arm on the steering gear output shaft is critical in inspections for several reasons. Firstly, the pitman arm is a crucial component of the steering mechanism that connects the steering gear to the steering linkage. If the pitman arm is loose, it indicates a potential failure in the connection, which can lead to a loss of control while steering.

A looser connection could result from wear or damage to the arm or the shaft itself, creating a situation where the steering may be unresponsive or erratic. This poses a significant safety risk, as it can affect the driver's ability to maneuver the vehicle effectively. Therefore, when inspectors assess the pitman arm, they must ensure that it fits snugly onto the steering gear output shaft to maintain the integrity and responsiveness of the steering system.

Other conditions such as visible paint wear, rust, or color fading do not directly impact the functionality and safety of the steering mechanism in the same critical manner. While they may indicate other forms of deterioration, they do not compromise operational effectiveness like looseness can. Thus, detecting looseness in the pitman arm is a valid reason for rejecting the inspection, prioritizing safety and vehicle handling.