C2 - Removal Pitman Arm & Idler Arm

[Rory Riedy]

Having a difficult time removing the idler arm from the steering relay rod & the pitman arm from the steering box. I have had them soaking in penetrating oil for 4 days but can't seem to get them to budge. Does anyone have any tricks or know of any special tools to assist. The remainder of the steering piece came apart but after a great deal of muscular persuation.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[Mike Cobine]

Re: C2 - Removal Pitman Arm & Idler Arm

It usually helps if the whole steering linkage is connected. Then take a tie rod fork and separate the idler arm from the center link. The same with the Pitman arm. Then remove the tie rod ends.

After that, you can put the linkage in a vise to hold it solid enough to remove the tie rod end links from the center link.

Of course, I hate hammering on things unless you have to so if you have a good gear puller, sometimes you can make that work. Also, using a fork tends to tear up things a bit so don't do this if you plan on reusing the idler arm or the tie rod joints.

To get the Pitman arm off the steering box, it is best to use a Pitman arm puller, but can be done with a gear puller. Hammering is not recommended as you tend to upset things inside the box.

[Timothy B.]

Re: C2 - Removal Pitman Arm & Idler Arm

If you go to Pep Boys the tools can be rented for free, they have the puller set for the pitmam arm and tie rod ends.

[Rob A.]

Re: C2 - Removal Pitman Arm & Idler Arm

If you're concerned about scraping up the pieces during separation, you can rent the type of puller that has adjustable width claws that are tightened in place after you set the width, and you won't damage either piece up. It has a large hex hed bolt to tighten and works perfect for your application.

[Mike Cobine]

Large Gear Puller is one for the Tool Box

I bought a large Snap On gear puller back around '76 and have used it more than enough times to justify the crazy Snap On price. I've pulled suspension parts, pressed u-joints, pull bearings, done bushings, and many other things. I've even managed to pull a couple of gears with it.

Buy a very good quality one, not a cheapy from the $5 item table at a swap meet. You can generate a lot of force and snap those arms right off in some applications, if you have a cheap one.

[Chuck R.]

Re: C2 - Removal Pitman Arm & Idler Arm

For the pitman arm, place a large hammer on one side of the relay rod to act as a backer where the pitman arm goes through the rod. Then strike the relay rod on the direct opposite side with another large hammer. The relay rod WILL release it's grip and you won't have to beat the rod until it gets flat spots all over it (unless your a poor aim ).

As far as the pitman arm, I would agree that the puller route is about the only subtle way short of a torch to get the arm to release it's grip from the shaft as there are alot of fine teeth on a tapered shaft.

On both, I would keep the nuts screwed on a tad so that when these items release, they don't keep heading for the floor or possibly you.

Chuck