Pitman Arm Removal
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Calgary Canada
Pitman Arm Removal
Hey everyone...
Quick question; Can the pitman arm be removed from the steering gear without disconnecting the drag link? Or is there some sort of geometry that forces me to disconnect the drag link?
Also, the rod-end that connects the drag link to the pitman arm is not an integral part of the drag link is it? I can just replace the end, no?
I'm heading over to the parts store to try to shed some extra light on it right now, but wanted to throw it out here too...
Thanks!!! Mike
Quick question; Can the pitman arm be removed from the steering gear without disconnecting the drag link? Or is there some sort of geometry that forces me to disconnect the drag link?
Also, the rod-end that connects the drag link to the pitman arm is not an integral part of the drag link is it? I can just replace the end, no?
I'm heading over to the parts store to try to shed some extra light on it right now, but wanted to throw it out here too...
Thanks!!! Mike
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Calgary Canada
Yeah... my interrogation at the parts store led me to the same conclusion. I'm not interested in an allignment for the sake of a leaky steering gear. I'm having a rough go of getting the pitman off of the gear, so I'll nudge the drag link out and remove the box so that I can work on it on the bench.
Thanks much everyone!
Mike
Thanks much everyone!
Mike
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,670
Likes: 13
From: Sand Lake, MI
<i>I'm having a rough go of getting the pitman off of the gear</i>
Are you using a pitman arm puller? If not get one, you should have no problem finding a place to rent one cheap. Just don't rent a "cheap" one. (I can post a picture of a good one if you like)
Nothing really to be gained by removing the steering gear box, the puller will get it in place, you may need to heat the arm where it surrounds the shaft to aid its removal though. Once you have the arm back on drive the truck a few miles and then re tighten the nut.
When you remove the old seal do not pound on it with a hammer and screw driver, it will damage the lower bearing and cause the needle rollers to all fall out.
If its only leaks and is not been blown completely out you may find it necessary to remove the top cover and lift the pitman shaft out of the bore to knock the seal out from the top with a long skinny drift. Install the shaft back in first, then the new seal kit.
Are you using a pitman arm puller? If not get one, you should have no problem finding a place to rent one cheap. Just don't rent a "cheap" one. (I can post a picture of a good one if you like)
Nothing really to be gained by removing the steering gear box, the puller will get it in place, you may need to heat the arm where it surrounds the shaft to aid its removal though. Once you have the arm back on drive the truck a few miles and then re tighten the nut.
When you remove the old seal do not pound on it with a hammer and screw driver, it will damage the lower bearing and cause the needle rollers to all fall out.
If its only leaks and is not been blown completely out you may find it necessary to remove the top cover and lift the pitman shaft out of the bore to knock the seal out from the top with a long skinny drift. Install the shaft back in first, then the new seal kit.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,996
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From: Pittsburgh,Pa.
An old car lot trick is add some brake fluid to the p/s. Works on leaking automatic transmissions too. Brake fluid attacks the seals causing them to swell.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 797
Likes: 1
From: ohio
Easy way i pulled the seal was get out the snapring and turn the steering wheel to full right, poped right out.
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 65
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From: Calgary Canada
Hey all...thanks for the words!
danr1 - Using the appropriate puller, no dice. Front diff prevents using swing handle on puller, so I took the box out of the truck and fought with it for another hour. I finally decided to just pay my buddy to yank it off at his shop. At least that way if something gets dammaged it's his fault!
This is no little drippy drippy. Definetly needs a seal, but now that the box is out I will just overhaul the entire thing. Someone refresh my memory, as I haven't done this since school, there are 21 ***** in there, right?
Also, this was not a progressive drip to leak. Full on blowout, so I believe it is just a result of not driving the truck much this summer and the seal dried up. Once I get the box apart I'll know, but I'm guessing the shaft will seal without much problem.
danr1 - Using the appropriate puller, no dice. Front diff prevents using swing handle on puller, so I took the box out of the truck and fought with it for another hour. I finally decided to just pay my buddy to yank it off at his shop. At least that way if something gets dammaged it's his fault!
This is no little drippy drippy. Definetly needs a seal, but now that the box is out I will just overhaul the entire thing. Someone refresh my memory, as I haven't done this since school, there are 21 ***** in there, right?
Also, this was not a progressive drip to leak. Full on blowout, so I believe it is just a result of not driving the truck much this summer and the seal dried up. Once I get the box apart I'll know, but I'm guessing the shaft will seal without much problem.
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