Pitman Arm 3, Various Tools 0
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
From: Dover NH
Pitman Arm 3, Various Tools 0
So, I have fallen prey to "while I'm at it" and I am looking into removing, cleaning and tuning my steering gear. One problem; can't get it off.
I bought the $15 pitman arm puller on the left; streched.
Then I "rented" the other one from Autozone; busted.
Used my Craftsman gear puller; snapped the bolt.
I've used 3 days worth of liquid wrench and propane heat, all to no avail. Appreciate any help.
Thanks!
Jamie
I bought the $15 pitman arm puller on the left; streched.
Then I "rented" the other one from Autozone; busted.
Used my Craftsman gear puller; snapped the bolt.
I've used 3 days worth of liquid wrench and propane heat, all to no avail. Appreciate any help.
Thanks!
Jamie
Last edited by JME; Jul 31, 2010 at 11:06 PM. Reason: Added picture and heat type
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 2,010
Likes: 3
From: Moon Twp. PA USA
I used a pitman arm puller similar to a tie rod end puller, only larger. It is shaped like a C, with the top of the C going over the arm and the bottom of the C has a bolt in it.
Worked fine on my '76, although I had to give it a wack with a hand sledge.
I think I purchased it from Harbor Freight.
Worked fine on my '76, although I had to give it a wack with a hand sledge.
I think I purchased it from Harbor Freight.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,520
Likes: 11
From: Hinckley OH
I have had success by putting a puller on and tightening it until I had a good bit of pressure on it then applying heat. But, I do have an oxy-acetylene torch. I'm not sure propane or MAPP is hot enough.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 971
Likes: 7
From: roanoke va
If you have the steering box off the car you might try and set the pitman arm as flat as you can(when I say flat I am talking about on the edge) on something like an anvil or rail road rail and then take the largest hammer you have and strike the other side of the pitman arm. I have done this before to break pitman arms loose before.
Don't hit the shaft out of the steering box or the splines. You also might want to put on the nut back on with just a couple of threads so the arm will not fly off. You will need to install it back in the correct position. You will need to put something under the steering box to get the arm straight on the edge where you can hit the edge that is sitting on top of the anvil as straight as possible.
What ever you use under the arm needs to be as soild as possible. Also you said you used heat. I would not use heat on any of these parts, I have no idea of what you were using or how hot you got everything but you may want to look at the seal on the bottom of the box and possibly replace it.
Don't hit the shaft out of the steering box or the splines. You also might want to put on the nut back on with just a couple of threads so the arm will not fly off. You will need to install it back in the correct position. You will need to put something under the steering box to get the arm straight on the edge where you can hit the edge that is sitting on top of the anvil as straight as possible.
What ever you use under the arm needs to be as soild as possible. Also you said you used heat. I would not use heat on any of these parts, I have no idea of what you were using or how hot you got everything but you may want to look at the seal on the bottom of the box and possibly replace it.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
Your pullers are too light duty,it takes a HD puller to remove the arm.
Here is a Kent & Moore , you can see the difference.
http://gmspecialservicetools.spx.com...s.aspx?id=3961
Here is a Kent & Moore , you can see the difference.
http://gmspecialservicetools.spx.com...s.aspx?id=3961
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
From: Dover NH
Your pullers are too light duty,it takes a HD puller to remove the arm.
Here is a Kent & Moore , you can see the difference.
http://gmspecialservicetools.spx.com...s.aspx?id=3961
Here is a Kent & Moore , you can see the difference.
http://gmspecialservicetools.spx.com...s.aspx?id=3961
I have purchased this one from Leslie tools at a local parts store, their website says"
Pitman Arm Puller Heavy Duty Puller Works on Most Cars & Trucks. Designed to work on even the most stubborn Pitman arm pulling jobs. Position puller jaws over Pitman arm and turn center screw to free Pitman arm. Puller body is drop-forged and heat-treated for strength."
I didn't want to use it until I received some feedback from you guys here. It says is heavy duty, but doesn't look like the one you've referenced.
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Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
I use a KD 2289 , looks just like yours. I don't push it too hard though.
I run the center bolt up tight , strike the side of the pitman arm , then strike the center bolt in the puller. If it doesn't come loose , I continue striking the side of arm and center bolt and then re-snug center bolt.
Easy does it , I've had to let them sit overnight with the pressure on.
Does your new puller feel anymore HD than the Autozone puller , cant tell by the pics ?
I run the center bolt up tight , strike the side of the pitman arm , then strike the center bolt in the puller. If it doesn't come loose , I continue striking the side of arm and center bolt and then re-snug center bolt.
Easy does it , I've had to let them sit overnight with the pressure on.
Does your new puller feel anymore HD than the Autozone puller , cant tell by the pics ?
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Soak the shaft/splines with PB Blaster for a day or two. Then apply the puller and tighten it...but not too much (you know what happens then). If is doesn't start to budge, get a good-sized hammer and give it a couple of 'shots' on the head of the puller's threaded shaft. That will provide a very high shock load to the joint and the pittman arm should creep off a bit. You can check that by seeing if the load screw is still as tight as it was before. If not, the arm is in process of coming off. You may have to retighten and rap it again, but eventually, it will loosen enough to come off with the puller screw.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 845
Likes: 1
From: Columbus Indiana
Snap-On pitman arm puller CJ83-2. It's specificly made for pitman arms. It's never gave, cracked, bent or let me down. I've used it on large trucks and busses.
Something like this might be available for rent at a local auto parts store.
John
Yeah, I've beat the h*ll out of it with a hand sledge, it's all hardened. Didn't hurt it or the hammer.
Something like this might be available for rent at a local auto parts store.
John
Yeah, I've beat the h*ll out of it with a hand sledge, it's all hardened. Didn't hurt it or the hammer.
Last edited by seventysixvette; Aug 1, 2010 at 01:34 PM.
