Pitman Arm Removal Question
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Joined: Jun 2014
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Pitman Arm Removal Question
Hi. I am in the process of changing my steering box on my 1995 F150 4X4 with a 4.9L.I have a question concerning removal of the pitman arm.
I worked at removing the pitman arm for about 3-4 hours yesterday and it wouldn't budge.I saw a thread where the person did not remove the one side of the pitman arm from the drag link first before pulling it off the steering box.I tried leaving the pitman arm on the drag link and it doesn't seem to be working.
Looking at the pitman arm attached to the drag link and steering box,it looks like not breaking loose the pitman arm from the drag link first would cause some binding on the steering box side while using a puller and make it more difficult to break it loose.
My question is this:Is it a good idea to remove the pitman arm from the drag link before attempting to remove the pitman arm from the steering box with a puller? That seems like the way to do it,but I would like to hear from someone who has successfully done it.
And if it is best to remove the pitman arm from the drag link first,is it better to hit the side of the drag link with a hammer (like removing a tie rod end from the steering knuckle) or to use a fork and a hammer? Thanks.
I worked at removing the pitman arm for about 3-4 hours yesterday and it wouldn't budge.I saw a thread where the person did not remove the one side of the pitman arm from the drag link first before pulling it off the steering box.I tried leaving the pitman arm on the drag link and it doesn't seem to be working.
Looking at the pitman arm attached to the drag link and steering box,it looks like not breaking loose the pitman arm from the drag link first would cause some binding on the steering box side while using a puller and make it more difficult to break it loose.
My question is this:Is it a good idea to remove the pitman arm from the drag link before attempting to remove the pitman arm from the steering box with a puller? That seems like the way to do it,but I would like to hear from someone who has successfully done it.
And if it is best to remove the pitman arm from the drag link first,is it better to hit the side of the drag link with a hammer (like removing a tie rod end from the steering knuckle) or to use a fork and a hammer? Thanks.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 5,006
Likes: 72
From: Roseville, MN
I've only pulled a pitman arm once, and I removed the drag link before I started on the pitman arm, so I can't say whether that makes a difference of not.
The puller I used was the type that has a bolt going through a U shaped piece that hooks onto the pitman arm. You tighten the bolt against the end of the shaft an supposedly that pulls the arm off the shaft. What I was told (and what worked well for me) was to not try to just pull it off by turning the bolt. Rather to tighten the bolt down reasonably tight (tight, but not so tight that it risks breaking the puller), and then bang on things with a hammer. Hitting the side of the pitman arm can help, but mostly it was to hit the end of the bolt in the puller. Then tighten it a little more and then hit more. Heat on the pitman arm can also help. I came off slowly, but it wasn't all that difficult.
The puller I used was the type that has a bolt going through a U shaped piece that hooks onto the pitman arm. You tighten the bolt against the end of the shaft an supposedly that pulls the arm off the shaft. What I was told (and what worked well for me) was to not try to just pull it off by turning the bolt. Rather to tighten the bolt down reasonably tight (tight, but not so tight that it risks breaking the puller), and then bang on things with a hammer. Hitting the side of the pitman arm can help, but mostly it was to hit the end of the bolt in the puller. Then tighten it a little more and then hit more. Heat on the pitman arm can also help. I came off slowly, but it wasn't all that difficult.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,726
Likes: 3
I've only pulled a pitman arm once, and I removed the drag link before I started on the pitman arm, so I can't say whether that makes a difference of not.
The puller I used was the type that has a bolt going through a U shaped piece that hooks onto the pitman arm. You tighten the bolt against the end of the shaft an supposedly that pulls the arm off the shaft. What I was told (and what worked well for me) was to not try to just pull it off by turning the bolt. Rather to tighten the bolt down reasonably tight (tight, but not so tight that it risks breaking the puller), and then bang on things with a hammer. Hitting the side of the pitman arm can help, but mostly it was to hit the end of the bolt in the puller. Then tighten it a little more and then hit more. Heat on the pitman arm can also help. I came off slowly, but it wasn't all that difficult.
The puller I used was the type that has a bolt going through a U shaped piece that hooks onto the pitman arm. You tighten the bolt against the end of the shaft an supposedly that pulls the arm off the shaft. What I was told (and what worked well for me) was to not try to just pull it off by turning the bolt. Rather to tighten the bolt down reasonably tight (tight, but not so tight that it risks breaking the puller), and then bang on things with a hammer. Hitting the side of the pitman arm can help, but mostly it was to hit the end of the bolt in the puller. Then tighten it a little more and then hit more. Heat on the pitman arm can also help. I came off slowly, but it wasn't all that difficult.
Fleet Owner
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 21,437
Likes: 76
From: Gilbert, PA
Remove the drag link FIRST,
then, Remove steering shaft and P/S lines
then, Remove steering box from the truck
then, Remove pitman arm from the steering bo
you can use a pitman arm puller OR just your standard 2 jaw puller.
then, Remove steering shaft and P/S lines
then, Remove steering box from the truck
then, Remove pitman arm from the steering bo
you can use a pitman arm puller OR just your standard 2 jaw puller.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
I don't see getting a pitman arm off without the proper puller.. those things are usually on there very tight. The one I have looks like this..
http://www.otctools.com/sites/defaul...?itok=07ACGzte
http://www.otctools.com/sites/defaul...?itok=07ACGzte
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