cannot get the pitman off

[Chris H.]

I have been trying to pull the pitman arm off with a 3 claw puller. Itried tapping the assembly undr load but the puller keeps slipping off.

any ideas?

thanks

[Bryan L.]

Re: cannot get the pitman off

They're hard to get off without a pitman arm puller. I've lucked out before and got one off with a large 2 finger puller but that was a fluke.

Autozone has a loaner program where you pay for the tool but then get a refund when you bring it back. Harbor Freight Tools also has an inexpensive one. The proper puller and an impact gun will get one off in about 10 seconds.

BL

[Tracy C.]

Agree with Bryan.with right tool it's a pizza cake *NM*

[Chris H.]

Re: Agree with Bryan.with right tool it's a pizza

Thanks, ordering the Harbor Freight one. Also could not get two of the tie rods off and this tool will do also!!

[Chuck R.]

Re: Shock treatment

Use a heavy hammer or steel stock for a backer, then on the opposing side strike the component (dog leg, relay rod etc) with a two to three pound peen or mallet. The joint's stud will drop out after about two to three good raps. It never fails.

With that said, if your into the perfectly shaped components, then the hammer method is out and the puller is back in.
as the hammer will leave flat spots.

Chuck 32205

[Mike Cobine]

Re: cannot get the pitman off

It also helps if you get a little penetrating oil in the splines, such as Liquid Wrench. Forget WD40. You need it in from the top, so it soaks down through.

Most 3 jaw pullers I've seen are the small ones, unless you have paid the big bucks for one of the big Snap On pullers. If yu have a small one, it won't do the job.

Auto Zone is the best chance.

The other is your local club. One advantage of local clubs is that frequently they own a few rarely used tools that members need once in a lifetime. Also, there is usually a few members whose goal in life is to own every tool in existance, and are always happy to show off how well it works.

[Chuck R.]

Re: Oh so true on the tools Mike *NM*

[Mark #28455]

Re: Agree with Bryan.with right tool it's a pizza

My Harbor Freight Pittman puller worked great, but the opening was a little too big for tie rods, I found a smaller one at the parts store.

[Chris H.]

Re: cannot get the pitman off

Received the smaller pitman puller from Harbor Freight and it came off REAL easy. It was a bit tight going over the arm itself but with a few taps fit.

Thanks for the help.

Chris