Control Valve/Pitman Stuck Together
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Joined: Sep 2006
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Control Valve/Pitman Stuck Together
Has anyone had experience trying to separate the power steering control valve from the pitman arm? My '80 is stuck hard. I've tried a pitman arm puller and its just not budging. If I bang it with a pickle fork I'm afraid I'll destroy the old one (its worth $75 as a core). Any assistance would be welcome.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
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From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
The procedure calls for first removing the clamp pinch bolt and then disconnecting the PS hoses. Following this, you should be able to use a ball stud remover to disconnect the pitman arm from the valve. I've done this several times without much difficulty. Perhaps a little friendly persuasion by tapping the arm with a hammer after spraying it liberally with PB Blaster or something similar. Not to sound like an idiot, but I assume you've removed the cotter pin and bolt from the valve stud.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
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From: Boca Raton Florida
You may also want to try the old school methode, requires 2 4lb short handle hammers. Hold one fast against one side of the arm where the stud goes thru and smak the hell out of the other side with the other hammer, it should fall out. This is the only way I usually do it, it took me about 10 minutes including moving my big azz around under the car when I took all the joints out of mine.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Woodland Park Colorado
I have to ask you did take the large nut off 1st
Just kidding.
mine came right off when did mine I found a brand new one on line for 124 and change no core so didnt have to send my old one. will look for that site again and see if they still sell them. I used a pitman arm puller on mine also. Good luck
Just kidding.mine came right off when did mine I found a brand new one on line for 124 and change no core so didnt have to send my old one. will look for that site again and see if they still sell them. I used a pitman arm puller on mine also. Good luck
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Control Valve Stuck to Pitman Arm - Help!
Thanks for the recommendations to this point, but it's still stuck. At this point I smacked the it with hammers, used a pickle fork, and a pitman arm puller; all unsuccessfully. Yes, I have removed the cotter, castle nut and compression bolt. In fact, I have partially disassembled it to gain better leverage. Is my only alternative to remove the pitman arm and relay arm from the car? This is turning from ugly to no fun at all. Please, if anyone has been in this dilemma please advise. Thanks DFS
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
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From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
Originally Posted by SmokinBBC
I think I had to use a heavy duty 3 arm gear puller the last time I did this...was a few years ago....but it did come apart.
That sucker must really be on there. Stay with it and you will get it.
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Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
Originally Posted by dinodon51
Finally popped off when I bought a compact car pitman arm/tie rod puller. Thanks for telling me to perservere.
I do not like to work on control valves said Sam I am.
I do not like to work on control valves said Sam I am.
