Any tricks to this?
I've removed the cotter pin and nut from the top of the pitman arm/centerlink connection and used a pickle fork but it will not break loose. I did'nt apply to much pressure for fear of messing something up. Is there trick to this that I'm missing.

BTW, I'm not talking about removing the pitman arm from the steering box. I'm trying to remove the steering box and was gong to leave the pitman arm on it. I'm just trying to separate the pitman arm and centerlink.

thanks,

Dwayne

pickle fork will work, but you have to hit it hard with at least a 5lb hand held sledge hammer if you want to get it loose. Gentle taps wont do it.

OK, Thanx Dave.
I guess I just need to use a bigger hammer and harder blows.

Thanks

You can also rent a pitman arm puller at your auto parts store.

Originally posted by wantedrodinco:
You can also rent a pitman arm puller at your auto parts store. You definitely should do that unless you're junking the centerlink. It's easy to damage parts with a pickle fork and hammer.

Reid

The service manual offers an alternative method to separate these taper joints. Take 2 hammers out of the tool box. Put one against the centerlink at the bulge for the tie rod end. Whack the other side of the bulge with the second hammer. It works quite well and will not tear up the rubber boot. One hammmer delivers the blow and the other acts as an anvil.

I believe the pitman arm puller you can rent is to remove the pitman arm from the steering box. There is a small press like tool that is also marketed as a tie rod removal tool, this can work too. So far I havent damaged a center link when using a pickle fork. I have tried the "two ball peen hammer" method but never had enough room to get a solid enough blow to deform the piece enough for it to let go.

Thanks fellows,

Dave, you are right about the pitman arm puller. I have one and it will NOT work for separating the centerlink from the pitman arm. The jaws on the puller are too wide to grasp teh smaller end at the centerlink.

Thanks

Dwayne

I had exactly the same problem recently changing the steering gear in my S10 Blazer. I hit the pickle fork with a sledge until I was exhausted several times. Never budged. :mad: My Dad,who's a Chevy Technician, brought home a long barrel air hammer with a pickle fork attachment. Hit it for just a second,It was done before I could let go of the trigger! I'll never do it without one those again! :cool: My Dad is going to retire next year so I'm going to have access to a lot of awesome tools pretty soon. graemlins/thumbsup.gif

I realize this is an old thread but with so many posts about the GC conversion (which I am in the process of on my '67), I thought this might be helpful to someone.....

I did have a little difficulty separating this joint - A pickle fork was a consideration and likely the best tool for this job but not 'handy' (would have to borrow). I used a copper mallet to separate the two. The copper is soft enough that it tends not to damage the projecting stud threads. Did have to reinforce the pitman arm below with a block of wood (served as counterpressure) though. A few good whacks with the copper mallet and the joint came free.

Now, ready to proceed with GC power steering conversion.

Chris

Thank god for Dad's with know how and good tools!! Well Done.

btt