Pitman Arm Removal

[Bill B.]

I am getting ready to install a power steering kit on my 65, 327/300. I am sure I will have a few questions for the forum as I go along. In preparing the linkage for the kit, I need to remove the pitman arm to install a replacement that comes in the kit. Is there a removal tool for the steering box end of the arm that will fit with the steering box in the car or should I just go ahead and pull the box and work it on the bench? Today, while looking at the arm attached to the steering box I can see the potential for a lot of grief and frustration trying to get access. Any thoughts and advice would be appreciated.

Bill B.

[Edward J.]

Re: Pitman Arm Removal

Bill, Some auto parts stores have loaner tools, you'll need a pitman arm puller to remove, and even then they can be a bear sometimes if they have never been removed. a good long handle 1/2 drive ratchet will help make the job easier, and will require some torque to remove. and when they release they tend to pop off with some force.

[Joe L.]

Re: Pitman Arm Removal

Bill, Some auto parts stores have loaner tools, you'll need a pitman arm puller to remove, and even then they can be a bear sometimes if they have never been removed. a good long handle 1/2 drive ratchet will help make the job easier, and will require some torque to remove. and when they release they tend to pop off with some force.

Edward and Bill-----


Yup. Whether it's on the car or off, you'll need a good pitman arm puller. The best one is the GM/Kent-Moore tool, J-6632. However, you're unlikely to have access to one of those. The aftermarket tools will work OK but make sure you have a good, sturdy one. Actually, you can buy these for not a lot of money. They are foreign-made but you'll probably only use it once. Sometimes the "loaner" tools from auto parts stores have been abused and may be frustrating. You can be sure they won't be loaning you a J-6632. Oh, and like Edward says, these things can be a bitch to remove.

[Duke W.]

Re: Pitman Arm Removal

The sector is tapered, so you need a BIG two jaw puller to remove it. As previously stated, you can probably borrow one from a parts store. I've borrowed tools from my nearby Pep Boys - no charge for two or three days.

I've pulled the Pitman arm off both my SWC and Cosworth Vega, and with the right tools, it should go well. The nut is something like 1 1/16", but it's been a long time since I've done the job. Also note how the Pitman arm is indexed to the sector shaft. IIRC the way the splines are cut there's only one way to install it, but it's a good idea to scribe index marks on the sector and Pitman to be sure.

I believe the Pitman arm was attached to the steering gear when it arrived at St. Louis, so there is no torque spec for the sector nut in the AIM, but it's in the '63 Corvette Shop Manual, which is the basic shop manual for your '65.

Duke

[Dick W.]

Re: Pitman Arm Removal

[Edward J.]

Re: Pitman Arm Removal

Forgot to tell you to lube the threads of the tool and a dab of grease on the pointed end helps with the removal.

[Gary R.]

Re: Pitman Arm Removal

I work on a lot of these and find they vary from easy to very hard removing. I have broken the common 2 jaw pullers, the one Dick shows a picture of is the one I use all the time now. Used it on 100's of vette arms without breaking anything.

I see a lot of boxes come in damaged where a pickle fork was used as well.

With the ones that are really stuck on I use a propane and that will break them loose.

I replace the lockwasher & nut and torque them to 145 - 150 ft/lb

[Bill B.]

Re: Pitman Arm Removal

I appreciate the replies. I am going to order the one pictured above. I assume that it will fit on the arm while the steering box is mounted on the frame. There is no sign of rust or corrosion on either end of the arm so I'm hoping it pops off fairly easy. In the 31 years I've owned the car it's spent a total of 2 nights out of the garage.

[Jack H.]

Re: Pitman Arm Removal

There is a Kent Moore J-6632 tool on eBay currently...auction ends Wednesday (eBay item number:122979228863). The seller seems to have a dealership full of used Kent Moore tools. I have no association with seller, just mentioning for information only.

[Joe L.]

Re: Pitman Arm Removal

Dick------


This looks like the Snap-On version of the tool. It also works VERY well (but, a tad pricey).

[Bill B.]

Re: Pitman Arm Removal

I ordered it on Amazon today so I hope it's good quality. Price was just under $50. I'll give my impression in a week or so.

[Dick W.]

Re: Pitman Arm Removal

Dick------


This looks like the Snap-On version of the tool. It also works VERY well (but, a tad pricey).

It is Snap On and what I have in my tool box.

[Bill B.]

Re: Pitman Arm Removal

This is the one I ordered off Amazon. $45.

[Joe L.]

Re: Pitman Arm Removal

This is the one I ordered off Amazon. $45.

Bill------


Is it a Snap-On or a foreign copy? I highly doubt one could buy the Snap-On tool for 45 bucks, even used. However, if it's not Snap-On that doesn't mean it won't work well, especially for someone that's not going to use it day-in-and-day-out.

[Bill B.]

Re: Pitman Arm Removal

It's not Snap On and I believe it is made off shore. Looks fairly beefy and the verified reviews were positive so we'll see. If it only works one time and separates the pitman arm and and other links that need to be removed it'll be money well spent. I'll do a follow up post as to it's durability.