Taking Front crossmember off

Includes shock absorbers, springs and steering linkages.

Moderators: reidy, Blacky

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TimR
Posts: 34
Joined: Fri Mar 28, 2008 12:00 pm
State: NOT ENTERED
Location: Mornington Peninsula, Vic

Taking Front crossmember off

Post by TimR »

Having trouble getting the pitman arm off the pitman shaft at the bottom of the steering box.
Tried hitting it, a gear puller and lifting the car up to get weight off but its not moving.
Should we just disconnect the steering somewhere else then try to get it off?
Is it meant to be difficult to remove?
Thanks
Blacky
Posts: 13341
Joined: Tue Jul 20, 2004 8:58 am
State: WA
Location: up in the Perth hills

Post by Blacky »

mighta been there nearly 50 years, try soaking it with WD-40 and get hold of a pitman arm puller , use the puller and give it a sharp hit when the puller is tightened up.
I started with nothing and still have most of it left.


Foundation member #61 of FB/EK Holden club of W.A.
FB MAD
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Location: Upper Hunter N.S.W

Post by FB MAD »

The correct method is to use a pitman arm puller or similar puller that will fit but sometimes they alone won't remove the arms and a little extra help is sometimes needed.

If you've got oxy-acetylene gear you can heat up the pitman arm and knock it off the spline from inside the engine bay using a steel pipe/bar whatever and a large hammer from above.

Sound a bit primitive but thats how a lot of older mechanics did it years ago.

That's how I've always done stubborn pitman arms over the years.

99% of the time the heat will stuff the oil seal in the bottom of the box but after nearly 50 years of use the oil seal will be buggered anyway.

I've fiited an aftermarket new oil seal I got at local bearing place for $7 and it works perfectly.Have the number for it if you need it.
I can't think what to write here so this will do.
Finny
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Post by Finny »

TimR, I had the same experience recently.
Couldn't budge it no matter how much force I used.

Take the puller off. If both wheels are in the air, grab the wheel on the opposite side and turn it from side to side. Mine just fell off. Or try it again after moving it.
Image
IT's LIKE WATCHING DRUNK MONKEYS TRYING TO HUMP A FOOTBALL.
TimR
Posts: 34
Joined: Fri Mar 28, 2008 12:00 pm
State: NOT ENTERED
Location: Mornington Peninsula, Vic

Post by TimR »

Got it off using pitman arm puller and a few hits as well as moving the wheels side to side.
Thanks a lot!
Next up is taking the front off for repairs and then painted, finished and ticked off the list.
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