removing pitman arm

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Nov 15, 2016 | 03:33 PM

jerryst

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Joined: Sep 2011

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removing pitman arm

I am installing a new pitman arm for my power steering. The old arm is still connected to the stock suspension. So far I have removed the cotter pin. I have also taken off the sleeve that surround the pitman arm. I have also taken out the screw in plug. Now I am stumped on what to do. Any thoughts?

Thanks

Jerry

Nov 15, 2016 | 04:33 PM

4tl8ford

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Joined: Jun 2001

Posts: 7,493

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From: Erie, pa

Go to your Advance, Pep Boys or what ever parts and ask them for a rental pitman arm remover - You pay between 5-10 bucks to rent the tool and when you take it back they refund your money - Instructions in the box

Nov 15, 2016 | 05:44 PM

dmack91

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Joined: Feb 2012

Posts: 948

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From: Central Oregon

When I tried to pull the pitman arms off the toyota ps boxes I picked up for mine, they wouldn't budge even with a puller. As I wasn't going to reuse the old arm, I used an angle grinder with a cutoff wheel to cut through the arm, to just short of the shaft. After a quick hit in the groove with a chisel to spread it a bit, the puller was able to remove it quickly.

Nov 15, 2016 | 06:24 PM

CBeav

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Joined: Jun 2015

Posts: 791

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From: Louisville

I assume you're referring to the pitman arm to the drag link connection, not the pitman arm to the steering gear. You cannot use a 'pickle fork' to separate them without damaging the drag link. Likewise, beating the stud out of the pitman arm with a hammer while the arm remains attached to the steering gear is most likely going to damage the steering gear and possibly bend the arm. You can use a two jaw puller to push the stud out of the arm (there's actually a specific tool made for the job) or you can remove the cotter key from the end of the drag link and unscrew the adjusting plug which will allow the ball to be removed from the drag link. Then you can properly support the end of the pitman arm and press the ball out in a press or flip and thread the castellated nut upside down, leaving a it a few threads from being bottomed against the arm, and smack it out with a hammer.

Tried to include photo of tool but something seems amiss tonight. Search: OTC 7503

Last edited by CBeav; Nov 15, 2016 at 06:30 PM. Reason: add'l info

Nov 15, 2016 | 07:19 PM

jerryst

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Joined: Sep 2011

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I am sorry for the confusion. I am talking about the pitman arm ball connected to the drag link. The stock pitman arm is still attached. I took off the inspection plug, cotter pin, and sleeve that goes around it. I am just confused on how to take out the ball on the pitman arm out of the drag link.

thanks

Jerry

Nov 15, 2016 | 09:09 PM

ALBUQ F-1

Fleet Owner

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 27,288

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From: NM

With the end plug on the drag link removed, just jiggle the drag link to force the outer cup out of the drag link. The pitman's ball will then come straight out of the drag link. In other words, the cups hold it in, and they are retained by the end plug.