Any tips on this? I have bought the tool from Harbor Freight, and there doesnt seem to be enough room between the pitman arm and the steering box to fix the "ears" of the tool in. It keeps slipping off.

This is the tool I am trying to use:

http://www.harborfreight.com/tie-rod...ller-1752.html

I am converting to manual steering, nobody told me getting this thing off would be so difficult . I am supposed to reuse the pitman arm, should I just buy a new one at this point since I am not reusing the steering box?

 

I tried that tool and it didn't work for me. Kept on slipping. This is what I used that worked. I had to hit it with a 10 lb sledge hammer though.

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...er=555672_0_0_

 

I've never liked that design but they do work. The pickle fork shown in the second link isn't much better.

I own one like this but an actual GM tool and it works every time. Being a mechanic, it helps to have good tools if you use them regularly.



The pitman arm is on a tapered spine and it held very tight even after the nut is removed. A good puller and a big hammer normally does the trick. So does having impact tools.

 

How much is a pitman arm????

How much is another tool, and your time...

Just a thought, at this point you might as well replace.

 

since Pitman arms don't wear out, you can never find one at your neighborhood parts house. Generally have to pull a used one. I went through this when I rebuilt my power steering box 2 years ago. To get the arm off, I use a little propane heat while wacking the side of it every few seconds, it eventually popped off.

They are nasty though.....

 

I've used that same tool several times. You may need to loosen the shaft up quite a bit and put it onto the arm between the centerlink and box. Then slide it down into position on the box.

 

just looking for a aftermarket one is a pain. have seen some good deals on the nascar looking ones. for like $30 used ($150) new.

just what a good looking one on the car...pitmen arm that is