pitman arm removal
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Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2015
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pitman arm removal
Hi guy's can anyone help me I need to remove the pitman arm from my 52 f1. What size is the retaining nut and once I have got the nut off what's the most effective way to remove the arm ?, and is there a key way on the stud so I don't put the new arm on in the wrong place on the stud. Thanks for your help. The gruffalo
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
I don't remember the size of the shaft nut, but it wouldn't be hard to measure it (you do have a ruler/tape measure?). To remove the arm, you can use a pitman arm puller Performance Tool W142 - Pittman Arm Puller | O'Reilly Auto Parts, or a 2 finger claw style gear puller. Check with your local big box auto store they may have one for free loan.
OEM box has an indexed arm/shaft, or you can center the box and set wheels straight and fit the arm back on without moving anything.
OEM box has an indexed arm/shaft, or you can center the box and set wheels straight and fit the arm back on without moving anything.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,304
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From: NM
Some pop off relatively easily, but if it's as stuck as many, you need a truly heavy-duty puller. I used an AutoZone pitman arm puller loaner and it was visibly bowing, but ultimately got it. Once they start to move you're likely golden.
There are 4 blank splines on the pitman and sector shaft that have to align. With the steering box centered, the arm should be pointing straight down.
There are 4 blank splines on the pitman and sector shaft that have to align. With the steering box centered, the arm should be pointing straight down.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
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From: Durham NC
With either the pitman arm puller or gear puller, if the tool is straining and it hasn't released, with the tool tension still on it, give the arm a sharp solid rap with a heavy hammer on the ring surrounding the shaft opposite the arm itself. The shock will often make it pop off.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,205
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From: Burbank, WA
It takes an 1 7/16" socket. An air gun like those used for changing tires works well for the nut. A pitman arm puller should take care of the rest.
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Tuned
Joined: May 2012
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From: Seguin
All excellent ideas. I used a puller that I rented from Oreillys, air gun, and a 3 lb. sledge. The key is to just tighten the puller, lightly tap with sledge, and give a light burst to the air gun. Then, tighten the puller again, etc. Take it kind of in steps alittle at a time. Mine came off in 3 steps....sort of speak. My 2 cents. There are some good ideas on youtube. Just don't beat the c..p out of it with the sledge. Good luck!
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 934
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From: Sterling, Virginia
Just a word of caution, although that worked IMHO you were lucky. Those type of things can go very wrong not only as a safety hazard to yourself, but also you can break or damage something that's hard to replace. I messed up the seal on my tranny cause I muscled off the original fitting on the gear shift shaft and now i have a leak I can't stop unless I have the tranny rebuilt. And the leak drives me crazy. That's not a long drive for me. LOL.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: Northville, MI
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 485
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From: Northern OR
Another safety consideration on removing the pitman arm is to back off the nut but, leave it on there while you are using the heavy duty puller, pickle fork, etc. I pulled one a couple years ago and when it "let go," it flew off with a lot of force, and so did the puller. I had the puller about as tight as I could get it, and had to hit the side of the arm with a heavy shop hammer. - Bob