Steering box removal - help required!

Dave-R · Post by **Dave-R** » Wed May 13, 09 4:41 pm

I still think its easier just to cut the tip off an old Phillips screwdriver.

RobTwin · Post by **RobTwin** » Fri May 22, 09 1:20 pm

Thanks Dave, we'll try that next time we need to remove the pin and cant find the tool we've had made

Well, as expected, getting the pin out wouldnt be the last of our problems. I say 'our', but thanks to other committments at my end

, Stu's been toiling away on his own so far trying to get the steering box off.

Latest hurdle is the old favourite, getting the pitman arm off its splines. Stu borrowed a puller from work but it keeps slipping off the top of the arm when the screw is tightened (see first pic). Havent seen it meself, but apparently the tool shown in the FSM looks more suited to the job.

So.... we're on the scrounge

Has any kind soul got something they could borrow us that would do a better job of removing the arm?

The other bit giving us grief is the drag-link (or whatever you prefer to call it

) - one end's come off ok, but the other is staying put, at least until we get summat better suited than big hammers & lots of swearing

Is there a suitable tool to remove the link?

We plan/hope to do a front end rebuild (gaiters, bushes etc) at the same time so would like to remove as much as possible

We'll be at Brooklands if anyone has any spare tools lying around they wouldnt mind lending for a short while.....

Pete · Post by **Pete** » Fri May 22, 09 1:44 pm

I don't think that puller is man enough for the job; often a 10 ton hydraulic puller is required, and then some...

Dave-R · Post by **Dave-R** » Fri May 22, 09 2:10 pm

I use a large pickle fork and a mash hammer (a small sledge hammer with a short handle). It's a bloody good cardio-vascular workout but you get there in the end.

Dave-R · Post by **Dave-R** » Fri May 22, 09 2:11 pm

Oh and I would do the pitman arm with the box removed from the car so you can get a good swing at it.

JohnR · Post by **JohnR** » Fri May 22, 09 2:16 pm

Might help if you warm it up a bit and than give it a good wack with a 4 lb hammer or a short 7lb sledge Dave have not heard mash hammer used for years !!!!!
failing all of the above have you got a friendly garage that can take it off for you ???????? they have good pullers

Blue · Post by **Blue** » Fri May 22, 09 3:40 pm

A good hydraulic puller and usually a bit of heat is needed. Keep well away from it, they often come off with a hell of a bang.....

JohnR · Post by **JohnR** » Fri May 22, 09 3:44 pm

Too true Anton brought his round for me to take off put the puller on it and told him DO NOT stand in front of it when I give it a clout shot about 8 ft down the workshop he did not bring the nut with him to stop bits flying off !!

Dave-R · Post by **Dave-R** » Fri May 22, 09 3:49 pm

Yes that is a good point. It is vital when splitting these joints to keep the nut on to catch it when it pops.

latil · Post by **latil** » Fri May 22, 09 4:12 pm

I bought a cheap puller to do mine and ground the legs to fit in snuggly. Used two club hammers oppositite on the pitman,with the nut loose then wound the puller on. No hassle,but yes don't take the nut off,and cover the whole lot with and old blanket or something,it could always be the puller going into orbit,not the bit being pulled.

Scooby · Post by **Scooby** » Fri May 22, 09 6:29 pm

Guys I have a joint splitter can can borrow should fit in there no probs.
You can hammer the frigging life out of it. I know !!!!! And nuts on guys....
Will take to the show.
Rich.

steveo · Post by **steveo** » Sat May 23, 09 12:05 am

yeah pitman arm .. won't get it off with a three legged puller , it keeps slipping off , as you have found out , what i done .. cut one of my three legged ones up & weld it togeather & made a fixed two leg one no bolts or flexabilty , completey rigid, exact size for the job !! when using any thing like this always wrap a towel or something around the puller / part as if it lets go , it won't go flying ! after the two leg puller is made wont go to waste ..can use on tie rod ends in the same way , depends on how you have welded the legs on !! & not damage the rubber boot

mad machs · Post by **mad machs** » Sat May 23, 09 9:10 am

Oh blimey, this takes me back-

http://www.moparuk.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=442

Next the roll pin in the steering box to column sliding joint was driven out using something pointy and a hammer.

I do believe it was an old posidrive screwdriver, field modified for the task

RobTwin · Post by **RobTwin** » Sun May 24, 09 1:02 am

Thanks for that, a great write up as was said at the time. We'll have a proper look thru that over the next day or two

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Sun May 24, 09 1:07 am

Nitrous bottle & club hammer get the job done.

Hey Rob , get to bed , gotta be up in the morning.