I have a 1977 Monte Carlo I was wondering if I can replace the bushings on the center link (Steering) or do I have to change out the whole thing there is not much information on that subject, I don't even know what those bushings are called any info is well appreciated.

 

The center link is a wearing part , Usually not too expensive or tough to change.

 

Replaced the one on my '74 Monte Carlo (same gen as yours) last year and I just did my '68 Cadillac this past weekend. The pivoting ends of the drag link are bolted to the pitman arm and idler arm. Those ends are assembled such that they're not intended to be rebuilt. I'm not saying it cannot be done but it's not economical to do so which is why all replacement drag links are new manufactured. New ones also come with new nuts and cotter pins.

As for replacing it, you'll need a front-end puller kit. I avoid using a pickle fork on any of steering linkage parts because the hammering needed to utilize a pickle fork adversely affects the bearing surfaces on tie-rods, ball joints, idler arm, and the steering gear box. They're also notorious for destroying grease seals.

Be sure to use wheel bearing or chassis grease on the screw threads of the pullers and the end of the puller screw where it seats against the shaft of the pivot bolt that will be pressed against; they're essentially acting as bearing surfaces during the pulling process. My description sounds more complicated than the actual process but as you're getting your hands dirty, you'll see what I'm talking about. After you remove either the pitman arm or idler arm castle nut, I suggest you take one of them and reinstall it backwards hand-threading it down to about 1/16-1/8 inch above the end of the bolt. This creates a dish or pan for the head of the puller to seat into while protecting the threads on the end of the pivot bolt. Again, once you're working on it, you'll see and understand what I'm talking about. Pull the drag link from the pitman arm and idler arm first, then use a puller to remove the tie-rod ends from the drag link. Clean and inspect the idler arm and tie-rod ends for wear, and check your steering gear box pitman arm shaft for play while you've got everything appart. It's way easier and less hassle to replace stuff at this point than after you've got it all back together. After you've reassembled everything, gently grease the new center drag link ends but not so much that you blow-out the new grease seals. Check and, if necessary, adjust tow-in per the shop manual specs; the drag link only affects tow-in, not camber or caster. Be sure to save the old castle nuts for the next time you may need to pull the steering linkage apart again.

As for maintenance, be sure to grease your chassis (tie-rod ends, ball joints, idler arm, drag link, U-joints) and your transmission linkage every 6,000 miles. While you're at it, check your differential fluid.