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Pitman arm PITA

Posted: Mon Jul 29, 19 8:47 pm
by MattH
Never done one before, so the original of 46 years ago finally failed the MOT (glad I got it tested, I may have missed it).

3 legged puller gripped but slipped, even with a large jubilee clip round the legs

Can't hit it, it'll smash the steering box.

Heat ?? bit difficult really and lots of burnable bits nearby.

Ended up using a thin cutting disc in the grinder and taking small slices out. It puts lots of heat in and by cutting VERY close to the splines, eventually it gave enough that the puller did its job.

Most satisfying to feel it slide off!

Fitting new one is a quick job provided you have a LONG bar to torque it up.

Job done in time for Goodwood Festival of Speed, steering is a tiny bit better.

Re: Pitman arm PITA

Posted: Mon Jul 29, 19 9:18 pm
by Pete
Hooligan!

We use a 10 ton hydraulic Puller and two big lump hammers!

Re: Pitman arm PITA

Posted: Mon Jul 29, 19 9:24 pm
by MattH
Pete wrote: Mon Jul 29, 19 9:18 pm Hooligan!

We use a 10 ton hydraulic Puller and two big lump hammers!
You also have a nice big workshop and ramps, this was in a carport on axle stands with a bad back!

Re: Pitman arm PITA

Posted: Mon Jul 29, 19 10:31 pm
by Pete
I'll give your back a rub at the Nats! - No charge!!!! ;)

Re: Pitman arm PITA

Posted: Tue Jul 30, 19 8:26 am
by autofetish
I have a hydraulic puller I’m happy to borrow out to club members for this but it needs filling with oil :)

Re: Pitman arm PITA

Posted: Tue Jul 30, 19 7:28 pm
by morgan
Blimey. I gave up on mine fairly quick and took it to the local shop to get pulled. Took them 30 mins with a big puller and some big whacks ! Horrible job.

I know what it feels like to get committed... I remember doing my front suspension. I had to cut through the UCAs and the bolts to get them out they were that wedged. Lovely now of course but once you start to cut there is no planB.... !

Re: Pitman arm PITA

Posted: Tue Jul 30, 19 9:11 pm
by Pete
There is always a plan "B" when you have Oxy-Acetylene!!

:twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

Re: Pitman arm PITA

Posted: Sat Aug 03, 19 10:07 am
by Matt74
I'm not saying it would work on something like this but if you don't have oxy - acetylene the new self igniting blow torches you can buy now get surprisingly hot very quickly and come in handy for seized bolts etc.