Which component of the steering system must be inspected to ensure proper functioning of the pitman arm?

The steering gear output shaft is crucial for the functioning of the pitman arm because it directly connects to the steering mechanism that dictates the direction of the vehicle. The pitman arm is a lever that translates the rotational movement of the steering gear output shaft into lateral movement, effectively steering the vehicle. If the output shaft is worn or damaged, it can lead to improper operation of the pitman arm, resulting in steering issues such as loose steering or difficulty in maneuvering the vehicle.

Understanding the operation of the steering system as a whole shows that while components like the front axles, upper control arms, and tie rods are important for the vehicle's overall handling and steering performance, they do not have the direct connection to the pitman arm like the steering gear output shaft does. Inspecting the output shaft ensures that the initial input from the driver is effectively transmitted to the steering components, thus maintaining safe and responsive steering.