I need to change the pitman arm seals on my steering box. I have the thing off and on my bench, but I can't get the first seal out. C-clip in off, I can't get the seal to move. Tried to get it to spin with a chisel. Tried to drill a hole in it to pull it out, but the drill bit doesn't want to bite into it.

Is my only option to put it back in the truck and turn the wheel back and forth while the it's running? I'd rather not do that now due to having the exhaust off and not painted yet. Thanks.

Jess

 

Did you use a center punch before you tried to drill? I would use a sharp center punch and/or get a different drill bit. I prefer Dewalt drill bits.

 

I had to grind down a punch to make a center punch that would fit, it's pretty small between the shaft and the body of the box.

Bought new set of Black and Decker drill bits, but they hardly make a mark on the seal. I tried a couple different ones.

Jess

 

Pic: See the black square at the lower right .. The sector shaft seals were sold as a kit. The Pitman Arm attaches to the sector shaft (3575).

 

I already have the seal kit. Steering box is off the truck. Yes, I used the wrong terminology. Thanks for the help.

Jess

 

Could the sector shaft(see I'm learning) be removed from the top allowing me to tap the seals and steel spacer out from above? My seal kit cam with the larger seal for the plate on the top(3580).

Jess

 

I believe the sector shaft can be easily removed. I'm not sure that will give you much of a direct shot of the seal from the top. With the shaft removed you may be able to pry at the seal from the bottom with a screwdriver or possibly one of those seal pullers.

I did this job 3 times with my F-150s, twice with the '88 and once with the '94. Last time was atleast 5 years ago. I don't remember too many specific details, but I never remember having too much trouble with anything. I think I did at times drill a hole in the seal and insert a screw to remove the seal.

One piece of advice, take it or leave it, don't try to use up all the parts in the seal kit, just use the seals and the obvious related parts.