Gearbox Torque Issue

[Tiger98]

Thanks for all the help the past few days! It's been invaluable. So, I have a new steering gearbox I ordered because there's a ton of slop in my current one. I even got a Pitman arm puller to be able to do the job myself. I do have a mechanic who told me he'd be willing to put it in for me if I was unable to do it but he thinks I'll be able to.

My only problem is I read that the Pitman arm nut torque spec is 185 ft lbs. My torque wrench only reads up to 150 though it does turn past that and I don't want to have to buy another one just for this job. I'm going to need to buy a breaker bar and large socket as it is. I've read that anti seize decreases torque requirement. Is that something where I could use anti seize and torque it to 150 until I take it in for an alignment soon and can have him get it to 185, or should I just have the mechanic put it on?

 

[P man]

Put it on yourself this is a good learning opportunity. What kind of pitman arm puller did you buy? Pic?

You could torque it to 150 and then maybe the mechanic would let you borrow his torque wrench to cinch it up?

Skip the anti seize but I'm a west coast guy and we do t normally rust.

 

[macleanflood]

Indiana I'd be antisieze on everything.

Torque is to 150... don't use the torque wrench to go past...use a breaker bar for a little more or as suggested take it to the friendly mechanic, bring them a beer, red bull or cookies or something and have them finish the torque.

-Mac

 

[Tiger98]

This is the puller. Okay, thanks! I got a pump the other day too so that should help with the power steering fluid. I think I'll antiseize and get it to 150 and get a little more with a breaker bar then have the mechanic finish it up when he does my alignment

 

[P man]

This is the puller. Okay, thanks! I got a pump the other day too so that should help with the power steering fluid. I think I'll antiseize and get it to 150 and get a little more with a breaker bar then have the mechanic finish it up when he does my alignment

View attachment 488530

Just fyi that puller may give you trouble. The problem with them is the legs spread and slip off the pitman arm. I only use the clamshell type puller as pictured.

One thing that will help with either puller. Get it tight and smack the hex with a BFH. Then smack the arm itself. Then tighten puller more. Then repeat.

You can use well placed heat but be cautious of seals in the gear box.

 

[machoheadgames]

Pman beat me to it. If you have problems with that puller, either try to return it (if you haven't destroyed it already), or throw it in the trash where it belongs and get the OTC 8150. Blaine likes to call the aluminum one a "pitman arm annoyer," which I think is well described.

I personally use an impact on the OTC and it zips arms right off, but if you don't have an impact then getting it real tight and hammering on the arm from above with an extension or similar will work.

 

[Tiger98]

Okay, I'll try to hit the hex and arm, tighten and repeat and hopefully I'll get it off. First I have to figure out how to get the gearbox cover plate off since the bolt spins without loosening and the other end is inside the bumper.

 

[P man]

Okay, I'll try to hit the hex and arm, tighten and repeat and hopefully I'll get it off. First I have to figure out how to get the gearbox cover plate off since the bolt spins without loosening and the other end is inside the bumper.

I'm trying to think of what you mean by "gearbox cover"..pic?

 

[Tiger98]

This thing. There's a small bolt on the bottom of it. I might be able to get a little wrench in to grab the nut above or possibly needle nose if they can grip it well enough.

 

[P man]

This thing. There's a small bolt on the bottom of it. I might be able to get a little wrench in to grab the nut above or possibly needle nose if they can grip it well enough.

View attachment 488596

Ok got it. Can you cut the bolts off?

 

[mudmaster]

That's a "skid plate" for the steering box. Depending on how it's mounted there can 4 bolts. 2 through the bumper and 2 that go into the steering box.

 

[LONGJP2]

I think I'll antiseize and get it to 150 and get a little more with a breaker bar then have the mechanic finish it up when he does my alignment

Not super critical, but once you put antiseize on it, 185 will then be too much.

 

[freedom_in_4low]

Just fyi that puller may give you trouble. The problem with them is the legs spread and slip off the pitman arm. I only use the clamshell type puller as pictured.

One thing that will help with either puller. Get it tight and smack the hex with a BFH. Then smack the arm itself. Then tighten puller more. Then repeat.

You can use well placed heat but be cautious of seals in the gear box.

View attachment 488532

Never tried that conical one but I've had good luck with this one (loaned for free from AutoZone) when the annoyer spread and popped off.

https://www.autozone.com/loan-a-too...uller/209523_0_0?searchText=pitman+arm+puller

The bolts keep the jaws from spreading.

 

[Tiger98]

Ok got it. Can you cut the bolts off?

I should be able to cut the bolt off if I can't get it with wrenches. It's just that one small bolt holding the plate underneath