pitman arm removal
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
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: 27,290
Likes: 1,055
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
Likes: 88
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: 16,165
Likes: 4,767
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.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Tuned
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 302
Likes: 0
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
Likes: 2
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
Posts: 4,685
Likes: 80
From: Northville, MI
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 485
Likes: 32
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