I've been in need of a new steering box ever since I first bought my Centurion, and yesterday I attempted to take one out from a 72 Electra, and I just couldn't figure out where things were supposed to part. I read in car craft that the caprices with the cop package have nice close ratio ones at 2.5 turns lock to lock, so ideally I'm going to go for one of those next time I'm at the yard. 1. Undo the power steering hoses, or just cut them to keep dirt from getting in the screw holes. There are then three connections left, the three screws holding the box, the pitman arm connected to the steering linkage, and then there's the shaft going up to the steering wheel. I had no problem with the three bolts, but when trying to undo the pitman arm at where it connects to the linkage I just couldn't do it. I tried prying the linkage of with two screw drivers, but no luck. Is there a special tool for this or? Should I keep the pitman arm on, or take it off where the pitman arm connects to the box? Then there's the shaft to the steering wheel, where do you separate it from the box? Does it just slide off or do you undo the big bolt at the top, the little rubber disc at the bottom with the bolts, or at some other place? Special tools needed here too?
Undo the hoses if you can... You need a Pitman Arm Puller...available at any parts store I have always disconnected the steering shaft with the two bolts that hold the rag joint together.
A balljoint fork is a good tool to have in your yard box,there are mainly two sizes,get them both,they are affordable.You'll also need a stubby,heavy hammer and that way you get the pitman arm with the box,you may or may not be able to reuse it.Good luck.
Sounds good, should I get this kit: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/5-PC...015QQitemZ250036979185QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW or should I get the stuff separate and get this one instead: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/PITM...tegoryZ43996QQihZ017QQitemZ270036090668QQrdZ1 ?
Kimson- The second auction you posted for the pitman arm puller looks like a power steering pump puller remover uzzled: I would be a little suspicious of that auction. A pitman arm puller looks alot different. Ball joint forks....around here we call em pickle forks :laugh:
This is the one I have. Notice the difference between the two pictures? The OTC one works like a charm!
I put in a bid for the pickle forks. I guess I'll have a go with them first and then try the claw version if we are not in business.. Thanks for the help guys.
Definitely get the pitman arm puller from Napa or O'Reilly's.You'll need it.Also,when I did mine during the late spring I had air tools and it was still a bitch to get off of the steering shaft.You'll need a BIG hammer and just put the puller on there and crank it in and give the pitman arm a couple of good whacks while there is tension on the puller.It will eventually give in to "persuasion". :Brow:
Power Steering Gear Box Removal IF YOU HAVE AN AUTOZONE AROUND, THEY WILL LOAN YOU A PITMAN ARM PULLER. :Smarty: :Smarty:
Just make sure the car is supported good when you whack the pickle fork with the hammer as when the thing lets go the center link and tie rods will drop fast. This is a better method I think than screwing with the Pitman arm puller. Just beware that later model steering boxes are metric I think and some changes may need to be made in order for it to work on a older car. Just not sure what.
I used to do it this way, but when you are going to the yard and you need to stop by autozone every time to pick up a few tools it gets annoying. I'm considering settng up a second toolbox with the speciality tools I've aquired, it's geeting to be a few.
Does anyone have any more info on this since my pickle forks are laying in the trunk of the Centurion, and they'r eready for some action as soon as it is half price day at the yard.
Kimson: This is a 10 minute job. Tools you'll need: 5/8" socket 1/2" drive, a short extension and ratchet. Pliers or side cutters to get cotter pin out of castle nut at center link to pitman arm joint. 3/4" open end wrench for castle nut (going on memory here) bring a 13/16" too just in case. Pickle fork. 1/2" and 9/16" combination wrenches for rag joint nuts. 5/8" and 11/16" tube wrenches for the pressure and return hose removal at the box. First thing, remove the cotter pin, castle nut and break that joint loose with the pickle fork. Remove both the power steering hoses. Remove the two nuts and washers at the rag joint (1/2" & 9/16") Remove the three 5/8" head bolts that hold the box to the frame. Pick up the box off the ground and take it home. :grin:
Well, my first attempt didn't do it. I couldn't get the joint disconected where the pitman arm was connected to, I had to walk away. I've now bought a bigger hammer and we'll give it another go. Are there any other cars than the 9c1 caprices from 94-96 that has the 2.5 turn to turn lock?
