|
View Full Version : REMOVAL OF PITMAN ARM FROM CENTER LINK mark67ss Feb 9th, 05, 02:31 AM I want to remove my powersteering box from the car and ran into a little snag. I know there is three bolts that hold the box to the frame but how do you remove the pitman arm from the centerlink? I want to keep the arm attached to the box. Do I use a pickle fork? Do I have to disconnect other parts first? Doesnt seem to want to move. Any help would be appreciated. The car is off the ground on jack stands right now. Thanks Mark TOOFUN Everett#2390 Feb 9th, 05, 03:12 AM Do I use a pickle fork? Yes, in conjunction with a BFH. phoenixdawg Feb 9th, 05, 04:03 AM go to the auto parts store and use a loaner pittman arm puller phoenixdawg Feb 9th, 05, 04:04 AM sorry mis read, from the center link you can use the pickle fork Brian Lewis Feb 9th, 05, 05:44 AM NO DON'T DO IT! NO PICKLE FORK!!! You will damage your Pitman Arm!!!!!! I did! Your pitman arm has the joint for the center link, when you use a pickle fork it places alot of stress on this joint, making it loose! They make a smaller tie rod end puller that you can use to remove the center link from the pitman arm, rent that for free from your local auto store. Don't use a pickle fork!! JimM Feb 9th, 05, 06:20 AM it'll also damage the grease seal, causing a permanent mess. Pickle forks are fast, easy, and only for parts you intend to throw away pdq67 Feb 9th, 05, 07:18 AM I just popped the one off my old P/U using a short, 1/2" cold chisel that fit right between them, not quite tight up to the seal. About three whacks with my trusty 3 Pound Ford Tool and it popped right off!! (BUT leave the gearbox bolted on b/c it will take the whacks better).... I would sure like to have a set of GOOD pickle-forks and P/Arm pullers and such, but I wouldn't use them enough to buy good ones!! I did buy two CHEAP pickle-forks and one split so that was that...... (Cheap punch now).... pdq67 dragon0123 Feb 9th, 05, 11:01 AM Actully a gear puller worked or me.. davidpozzi Feb 9th, 05, 01:02 PM NO pickle fork unless you will throw the pitman away! The newer pitman arms have plastic inside, no grease fitting, and will be damaged, the older ones with grease fitting can probably take it better, but might be damaged too. It all depends on how much force you use when removing it, but a puller that presses on the threaded end is the best. |