Removing pitman arm from PS control valve
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,806
Likes: 258
From: Dublin Ohio
Removing pitman arm from PS control valve
I need to pull out my loaner steering box so I can install my original box rebuilt by Gary R.
I must have got lucky the first time because when I took the original out the pitman arm came off the control valve easily.
My loaner however is on tight and it appears I need to use a tool to separate the arm from the valve.
After reading old forum posts it appears that this
can be used in this manner
to separate them but it's clear the power steering lines need removed to get clearance.
Has anyone that has used this tool for this job?
If so could you share your experience?
Did it tear the boot?
Finally, how much fluid would I stand to lose disconnecting those lines?
I found Jim Shea's recommendation to raise the front and do 2 dozen lock to lock turns with car off to bleed the system but just wondering how much fluid I'll need to buy......
If I don't just let the mechanic I'm going have do the alignment just do it all.
I must have got lucky the first time because when I took the original out the pitman arm came off the control valve easily.
My loaner however is on tight and it appears I need to use a tool to separate the arm from the valve.
After reading old forum posts it appears that this
can be used in this manner
to separate them but it's clear the power steering lines need removed to get clearance.
Has anyone that has used this tool for this job?
If so could you share your experience?
Did it tear the boot?
Finally, how much fluid would I stand to lose disconnecting those lines?
I found Jim Shea's recommendation to raise the front and do 2 dozen lock to lock turns with car off to bleed the system but just wondering how much fluid I'll need to buy......
If I don't just let the mechanic I'm going have do the alignment just do it all.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 221
Likes: 71
From: Kalispell, MT
Have you tried just giving it a solid whack with a BFH? That always works for me and you won't damage anything. Just hit the pitman arm where the stud goes through. Those Harbor Freight tools all have very soft threads and strip out most of the time.
Last edited by C3TPI; Aug 4, 2020 at 11:06 AM.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,806
Likes: 258
From: Dublin Ohio
The ball joint separator.
Because you wedge it in any way you can and you don't have to think about clearance, striking distance,etc.
As long as you can get a socket on the bolt you're done. No damage to the boot either.
Because you wedge it in any way you can and you don't have to think about clearance, striking distance,etc.
As long as you can get a socket on the bolt you're done. No damage to the boot either.
