pitman arm is stuck
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 395
Likes: 0
pitman arm is stuck
well i spent a good part of my day trying to take off the pitman arm on the bronco. its bending the puller that i have. is there any tricks i dont know? i mean its a pitman arm, take the nut off, put the puller on and tighten it and it slides off...least so i thought. not a good deal.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 395
Likes: 0
i have a drop pitman arm, thats why im trying to take it off. im thinking of borrowing a grinder, i have a dremel but that might take a while. i think i may take off the steering gear box to do it so i dont risk getting too deep with the grinder.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 15
What? A stuck Pitman Arm? That's unheard of! 
What's worked for me on Ford steering boxes, is put on a good puller, crank it real tight. Then hit the Pitman Arm smartly with a hammer, hit it sideways on the part of the arm that goes around the box's sector shaft. Have to hit it hard, without whacking the puller. So you may need to reposition the puller to try to leave a space somewhere to get the hammer in.
Watch your face and eyes. With the puller cranked real tight, there is a lot of force that can suddenly be relieved with a bang when the Pitman Arm finally lets go of the sector shaft splines. The puller and Pitman Arm can fly.
What's worked for me on Ford steering boxes, is put on a good puller, crank it real tight. Then hit the Pitman Arm smartly with a hammer, hit it sideways on the part of the arm that goes around the box's sector shaft. Have to hit it hard, without whacking the puller. So you may need to reposition the puller to try to leave a space somewhere to get the hammer in.
Watch your face and eyes. With the puller cranked real tight, there is a lot of force that can suddenly be relieved with a bang when the Pitman Arm finally lets go of the sector shaft splines. The puller and Pitman Arm can fly.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 7,972
Likes: 596
From: Greater Austin, Texas
So did you cut the pitman arm off? The method prescribed by Torky2 is how I get them off. And he's right, they are ALWAYS stuck in my experience.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 395
Likes: 0
yeah i had a cut off wheel on my dremel. man that thing sliced right through that arm. i cut on both sides, got super close to the splines, then put a 3ton jack handle between the arm and the frame and steped on the handle popped right off. then i used the puller to slide the back half of the arm off. two turns and she came off. i know they say to use an impact to install it. but i have a cheater bar thats about 3 1/2 feet long and i know i can pull over 100lbs easy so do the math and its plenty of torque to push the new arm on. man if i ever have to take off an arm again ( not having to save it ) im just cutting the damn thing off.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Fords to Drive Before You Die
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / Worst Features Of The 2025+ Ford Expedition
Brett Foote
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition
Joe Kucinski
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ghott
Excursion - King of SUVs
8
Mar 25, 2016 12:00 PM
DaytonaTunnel
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
8
Aug 18, 2014 10:28 PM
Road Warrior 95
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Jul 5, 2014 09:55 AM
