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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 47
Shade Tree Mechanic
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OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 47 |
I can access the 2 lower bushings but how do I get to the 2 upper bushings? Do I pull the pitman arm or is there an easier better way? Thanks.
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
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ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141 |
Larry, The pitman arm is in two pieces,the lower half will is removed by pulling it off (down) and the the top bushings will be exposed. not necessary to remove top half.
Gene Schneider
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 47
Shade Tree Mechanic
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OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 47 |
Gene, According to the shop manual the pitman arm is built-up assembly. The pitman arm proper is a heavy forging machined to receive 4 tapered rubber bushings. The plate to which the tie rod balls are bolted has 2 studs which pass thru the rubber bushings in the pitman arm. A retainer plate completes the assembly.
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 10,379 Likes: 1
Technical Advisor ChatMaster - 10,000
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Technical Advisor ChatMaster - 10,000
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 10,379 Likes: 1 |
Hi Larry, Assuming you have removed the two nuts and washers this should allow you to remove the bushing retainer. Now you should be able to separate the pitman arm assembly in order to install two bushings from the bottom and the remaining bushings from the top. Then replace the bushing retainer, washers, and nuts. 
RAY Chevradioman http://www.vccacolumbiariverregion.org/1925 Superior K Roadster 1928 Convertible, Sport, Cabriolet 1933 Eagle, Coupe 1941 Master Deluxe 5-Passenger Coupe 1950 Styleline Deluxe 4-Door Sedan 1950 Styleline Deluxe Convertible 2002 Pontiac, Montana, Passenger Van 2014 Impala, 4-Door Sedan, White Diamond, LTZ 2017 Silverado, Double Cab, Z71, 4X4, White, Standard Bed, LTZ If you need a shoulder to cry on, pull off to the side of the road. Death is the number 1 killer in the world.
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
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ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141 |
I think that I may have confused Larry.The heavy forging that is attached to the pitman shaft is the LOWER half and when unbolted pry up on the half that is attached to the tie rod ends.That is also the half that have the studs pressed in.(upper half)The bushings were used to absorb road shock but when they go bad play in the steering is the result.The two halves may have grown together so a LITTLE force may be necessary.
Gene Schneider
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 47
Shade Tree Mechanic
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OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 47 |
Gene, Thanks for more info. It looks to me that there is not enough clearance between the upper plate and the gear box to get the studs out of the upper bushings. Do I have to rotate the shaft to get clearance or do the studs come out at an angle? It would've been a lot easier if they used bolts with the nuts on top!
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 10,379 Likes: 1
Technical Advisor ChatMaster - 10,000
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Technical Advisor ChatMaster - 10,000
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 10,379 Likes: 1 |
Hi Larry, Try moving the steering wheel in order to reposition the Pitman Arm Assembly. Normally, this is a straight forward operation. There will be a position that the top portion can be lifted up in order to install the two top bushings. Wish you luck. 
RAY Chevradioman http://www.vccacolumbiariverregion.org/1925 Superior K Roadster 1928 Convertible, Sport, Cabriolet 1933 Eagle, Coupe 1941 Master Deluxe 5-Passenger Coupe 1950 Styleline Deluxe 4-Door Sedan 1950 Styleline Deluxe Convertible 2002 Pontiac, Montana, Passenger Van 2014 Impala, 4-Door Sedan, White Diamond, LTZ 2017 Silverado, Double Cab, Z71, 4X4, White, Standard Bed, LTZ If you need a shoulder to cry on, pull off to the side of the road. Death is the number 1 killer in the world.
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 123
Shade Tree Mechanic
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Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 123 |
Larry,
Thanks to ChevNut's help, I just replaced the 4 Pitman Arm bushings in my 1940 Chev.
I found, after much expended effort, that the easiest way to get all the old bushings out is to remove the Pitman Arm from the shaft.
DocB
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