Pitman Arm Removal Help
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,025
Likes: 1
From: Billings MT
Pitman Arm Removal Help
I am in the process of pulling the power steering to install the manual center link and pitman arm and I'm having a heck of a time getting the pitman arm off the steering box.
I used a two jawed puller and it was taking a LOT of force and one of the jaws broke.
Obviously its on there pretty tight.
Any Ideas?
Thanks!
I used a two jawed puller and it was taking a LOT of force and one of the jaws broke.
Obviously its on there pretty tight.
Any Ideas?
Thanks!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 2,473
Likes: 10
From: New Paltz, New York USA
get a pitman arm puller, its also a two jaw puller, but much stronger than a regular puller. Its designed just for the pitman arm. I had the same trouble as you are having, bought the puller and pitman are came off. It takes a lot of pressure to remove arm. I got my puller at Auto Zone, it cost $16.99.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,269
Likes: 3
From: St. Charles IL
Cruise-In 5-6-7-8-9-11-12 Veteran
A CI-6 Car Show Winner
You might want to try a pitman arm puller. Usually you can rent one at certain auto parts stores. I believe Pep Boys has them available. You might need to get a little heat on it if it still won't budge, but that may cause the need for a new shaft seal as well.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 633
Likes: 1
From: Hamilton, ON, Canada
I posted a similar question a few months ago and didn't get a "magic" answer. I broke a pitman arm puller in the past and finally used a torch to get the pitman arm off. This time I used a two-arm puller which is hard to get in there- make sure you get the right size. The big trick is that you don't rely totally on the puller- if you do, you'll probably break it. You tighten up on the puller, then hit the end of the puller bolt with a hammer a few times. Possibly whack the side of the pitman arm with a hammer as well. The repeated shocks will break the pitman arm loose.
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Pro
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 633
Likes: 1
From: Hamilton, ON, Canada
Originally Posted by PRESSURERAT
I dont want to hijack the thread but how tight are you supposed to put it back on? Just impact it or torque or what? I am in the middle of the same project. 
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,025
Likes: 1
From: Billings MT
Thanks for all the info! I was putting tention on it with the puller and hitting it with a hammer, no dice. The last time the puller's jaw just snapped in two...
There is an abundance of power steering fluid in the vacinity so I'm not sure sure I want to use an open flame!
I will go get a pitman arm puller today and give it another shot. I let it soak over night with some WD-40.
As far as torque spec, the Haynes manual says 140ft-lbs.
Where did you get the 185?
Thanks!
There is an abundance of power steering fluid in the vacinity so I'm not sure sure I want to use an open flame!
I will go get a pitman arm puller today and give it another shot. I let it soak over night with some WD-40.
As far as torque spec, the Haynes manual says 140ft-lbs.
Where did you get the 185?
Thanks!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,938
Likes: 1
From: San Diego CA
Originally Posted by PRESSURERAT
I dont want to hijack the thread but how tight are you supposed to put it back on? Just impact it or torque or what? I am in the middle of the same project.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,442
Likes: 793
From: Redondo Beach, California
The 1968 Corvette Assembly Manual specifies 120 to 160 ft-lbs of torque. The drawing number is UPC 9 A2. It's page 214 of my manual.
Any tips as to how to hold/brace the pitman arm to put that amount of torque on it? I'm assuming its not a good idea to run the steering box to its stopping position at applying the torque against the gears inside the box.
Any tips as to how to hold/brace the pitman arm to put that amount of torque on it? I'm assuming its not a good idea to run the steering box to its stopping position at applying the torque against the gears inside the box.
