Separating pitman arm from center link
 

Hi Folks,
I am following this procedure from TX Firefighter to replace the seals on my power steering pump.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=619634

I have a question please. How does the pitman arm separate from the center link?

I had hoped to remove the pitman arm from the center link during steering gear removal, the way TX Firefighter did in that thread above. But after removing the cotter pin and nut, I could not get it apart. I pulled on it, and tried hitting the end of the bolt with a hammer (straight on so as to avoid messing up the threads, and not too hard) while holding the center link. I tried lifting the steering gear up, to take the gear and arm off and out of the center link. I did not want to stick a screwdriver in the gap between the arm and center link because I believe there is a rubber seal there that I don't want to mess up. I could not persuade it. I changed method and decided to remove the pitman arm from the steering gear.

Re: Separating pitman arm from center link
 

Pickle fork is the tool...

Re: Separating pitman arm from center link
 

BdH at the X

Re: Separating pitman arm from center link
 

OK I looked up pickle fork and I understand that. So it looks like I need a new tool. I don't know what BdH means.

Re: Separating pitman arm from center link
 

One of tbese!

Re: Separating pitman arm from center link
 

Big Damn Hammer
Or BFH depending on how you feel

Re: Separating pitman arm from center link
 

Oh, funny, thanks. I have heard of the BFH version.

Re: Separating pitman arm from center link
 

Hammer doesn't work so great bc unlike the ball joints on the A-arm, there's no spring pressure to force it apart. I just rebuilt my entire front end and used the OTC ball joint separator on this. Worked like a charm.

Re: Separating pitman arm from center link
 

I’ve always used a BFH and have never had an issue. I do recommend leaving the nut on the threads but backed off so if you miss the nut protects the threads.
Bryce

Re: Separating pitman arm from center link
 

One hammer may not work but two hammers will. Hold the biggest one on one side of the center link boss and hit the other side with the other hammer. There is a taper on the pitman arm joint and using two hammers will force it apart..... Like stated above screw the nut part way on to protect the threads.

LockDoc

Re: Separating pitman arm from center link
 

X2 on Leon's description!!!

Re: Separating pitman arm from center link
 

puller

https://www.harborfreight.com/tie-ro...ler-63684.html

Re: Separating pitman arm from center link
 

Yes, that's what I used to pull the pitman arm off of the steering gear. It worked well for that end of the pitman arm but did not fit in any way I could figure out at the center link end of the pitman arm.

Re: Separating pitman arm from center link
 

Go to your local Autozone, Oreillys, grand auto, whatever you have. They rent them for a few bucks. Use it, clean it and bring it back. My son works for OReilly's and they are great about it.

Re: Separating pitman arm from center link
 

HO455, great choice on both of those.