How do you get the pitman arm ...

[71tahoe]

off an '04 suburban? There's like no room between the steering box and the frame crossmember for a puller. I'll even have to take off the sway bar to use a pickle fork (if I have one with a big enough opening).

[DirtyLarry]

Straight from the service manual.

Removal Procedure

Remove the steering gear.

Place the steering gear into a vise.

Remove the pitman arm nut (1) and washer (2).

Remove the pitman arm from the pitman arm shaft using puller J 6632-01 or puller J 29107-A .

Installation Procedure

Install the pitman arm onto the steering gear.

Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

Install a new pitman arm washer (2) and nut (1).

Tighten the nut to 250 N·m (184 lb ft).

Remove the steering gear from the vise.
Install the steering gear.
Adjust the front toe. Refer to Front Toe Adjustment .

[71tahoe]

Did they left out the part about disconnecting the power steering lines and mopping up a couple of quarts of fluid?

Sounds like anything to get the dealership a few more hours per repair. (not that I'm cynical or anything )

[lyrikz]

Originally Posted by 71tahoe

Did they left out the part about disconnecting the power steering lines and mopping up a couple of quarts of fluid?

Sounds like anything to get the dealership a few more hours per repair. (not that I'm cynical or anything )

a big ****in hammer. Techs here just hit it 3 times with a big sledge and it pops off.......

[71tahoe]

Thanks guys. I just couldn't see opening the system and making such a big mess. I made a big enough one as it was.

Here's what I did.
1. loosened the steering shaft coupler at the sector.
2. removed the sway bar.
3. removed the front wheel.
4. took the pitman arm loose from the center link.
5. removed the plastic shield.
6. removed the 2 front bolts from the frame to the sector.
7. loosened the back bolt and let the sector pivot where I could get a puller on the arm and took off the nut. I had to slide a rubber sleeve up into the sector to get the puller on.
8. cranked on the puller until the arm came off and then put the new arm on and tightened to torque specs.
9. pivoted the sector back in place and torqued the bolts.
10. torqued the arm to center link bolt.
11. installed the sway bar.
12. installed the wheel and torqued the lug nuts.
13. torqued the steering shaft coupler bolt.
14. took it for a drive (couldn't leave it at 13 steps.)