How to Remove a Pitman Arm on a GMC
GMC is a division of General Motors that produces light duty trucks, sports utility vehicles and vans. GMC makes most of its trucks side-by-side on the same assembly lines as their almost identical Chevrolet counterparts. Trucks are made to withstand the abuses of everyday hauling and towing applications, but maintenance of the front suspension is critical to safe handling. The pitman arm connects the vehicle's steering box to the steering linkage and may need replacement if it becomes worn.
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Things You'll Need
- Adjustable wrench
- 1 5/16 inch box-end wrench
- 1 5/16 inch socket
- ½-inch-drive breaker bar
- Pitman arm puller
- 15/16 inch box-end wrench
- Hammer
Instructions
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1
Slide under the vehicle and remove the chassis skid plate (if equipped) by turning the holding bolts in a counterclockwise direction with an adjustable wrench. Set the skid plate and bolts aside.
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2
Lower the center link assembly by unscrewing the holding bolts at the pitman arm and the idler arm with an adjustable wrench.
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3
Retract the pitman arm dust boot carefully into the steering sector shaft by hand to avoid damaging it.
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4
Remove the steering sector nut, using a 1 5/16 inch box-end wrench.
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5
Remove the three bolts holding the steering sector to the left frame rail, using an adjustable wrench.
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6
Place the pitman arm puller between the steering sector and the pitman arm. Turn the puller nut clockwise with a 15/16 inch box-end wrench until the pitman arm is loose from the shaft. Tap the pitman arm lightly with a hammer if it will not dislodge from the shaft after using the puller.
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Tips & Warnings
If the steering sector nut is too tight to remove with a wrench, use a 1 5/16 inch socket attached to a ½-inch-drive breaker bar to break loose the nut.
You can rent a pitman arm puller from most auto parts stores.
