onemanhor4u
New member
I'm looking for pictures on how to remove the pitman an idlers arm on my 90 hellrunner
pitman arm and idler arm
- Thread starter onemanhor4u
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
Not actual pictures but diagrams from the service manuals here. Just browse through the repair section. Its under steering linkage somewhere.
1990 to 1995 Toyota 4Runner OEM Repair and Wiring Manuals
They were helpful when I did mine. Be forewarned though, everything will seem like its working smoothly until you go to take the pitman arm off. After breaking three pitman arm pullers (thank you Napa lifetime warranty!) mine had to be cut off with an angle grinder, which isn't a problem if you are replacing it.
1990 to 1995 Toyota 4Runner OEM Repair and Wiring Manuals
They were helpful when I did mine. Be forewarned though, everything will seem like its working smoothly until you go to take the pitman arm off. After breaking three pitman arm pullers (thank you Napa lifetime warranty!) mine had to be cut off with an angle grinder, which isn't a problem if you are replacing it.
onemanhor4u
New member
Thanks
I just did my idler arm and I had to use a pickle fork to get it to budge loose.
I didn't take pics, but basically for the idler arm, you remove the cotter pin and that bolt should be fairly loose. Take it off, use the pickle fork to separate it, then it's either a 12mm or a 14mm socket to take off the other 3 bolts. You will need 2 sockets as there are nuts as well.
Took me over an hour without the pickle fork, and couldn't finish. With the pickle fork, I could change it again in 15 mins.
I didn't take pics, but basically for the idler arm, you remove the cotter pin and that bolt should be fairly loose. Take it off, use the pickle fork to separate it, then it's either a 12mm or a 14mm socket to take off the other 3 bolts. You will need 2 sockets as there are nuts as well.
Took me over an hour without the pickle fork, and couldn't finish. With the pickle fork, I could change it again in 15 mins.
Ptman Arm/Idler Arm
I recently replaced the Idler Arm on my 92 4Runner and it was fairly easy using a pickle fork. Just a few bolts attached to the frame.
The Pitman arm was pretty brutal even though I was using the puller. Managed to free the gear with the puller, but no luck in separating the joint using a pickle fork. Wound up having a tire shop finish it off for me
I recently replaced the Idler Arm on my 92 4Runner and it was fairly easy using a pickle fork. Just a few bolts attached to the frame.
The Pitman arm was pretty brutal even though I was using the puller. Managed to free the gear with the puller, but no luck in separating the joint using a pickle fork. Wound up having a tire shop finish it off for me
I just did my idler and pitman arms. They separated from the tie rods easily with a 2 claw puller. Getting the pitman arm off the steering box was tougher though. The puller didn't work. Ended up using my oxy acetelyne torch to heat a little spot red hot then smacked it with a hammer. You get one shot then you have to let it cool down and try again. Also make sure you centre the wheels and steering wheel before you install the new pitman arm. Ask me how I know lol
Did my whole steering rack a few months ago. Idler arm was easy but the pitman arm was a beast. I broke the puller trying to get it off. Best thing to do is soak it with a really goo penetrating fluid i.e. PB Blaster ( I used the AmsOil penetrant). Let it sit, soak it some more, let it sit, then smack it with a hammer with the puller on it :bash: As it starts to move re-tighten the puller. It will take some time but I found that this is the safest way to get it off. Just be careful not to hit the splines and booger them up. :cheers:
