GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Pitman Arm Replacement RWD

Tools Required

    •  J 24319-B Universal Steering Linkage Puller
    •  J 29107-A Universal Pitman Arm Puller
    •  J 6632-01 Pitman Arm Puller
    •  J 29193 Steering Linkage Installer (12 mm)

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the relay rod nut from the pitman arm ball stud.
  3. Do not reuse the relay rod nut.

  4. Remove the engine protection shield, if equipped. Refer to Engine Protection Shield Replacement in Frame and Underbody.

  5. Object Number: 397356  Size: SH
  6. Use the J 24319-B in order to remove the relay rod from the pitman arm ball stud.

  7. Object Number: 291264  Size: SH
  8. Remove the pitman arm nut and the pitman arm washer.
  9. Do not reuse the nut.

  10. Mark the pitman arm and the pitman shaft in order to ensure the proper alignment at assembly.
  11. Notice: Do not hammer on the pitman arm, pitman arm shaft or puller. Damage to the pitman arm or steering gear may result.

  12. Use the J 29107-A or J 6632-01 in order to remove the pitman arm.
  13. Inspect the ball stud threads for damage.
  14. Inspect the ball stud seals for excessive wear.
  15. Clean the threads on the ball stud.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 340481  Size: SH
  1. Install the pitman arm on the pitman shaft.
  2. Align the marks made at removal.
  3. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  4. Install the pitman arm washer and the pitman arm nut (8).
  5. Tighten
    Tighten the pitman arm nut to 250 N·m (184 lb ft).

  6. Install the relay rod (9) to the pitman arm ball stud.
  7. Ensure the seal is on the pitman arm ball stud.


    Object Number: 689037  Size: SH
  8. Install the J 29193 .
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the J 29193 to 54 N·m (40 lb ft) in order to seat the tapers.

  10. Remove the J 29193 .
  11. Install the new prevailing torque nut.
  12. Tighten
    Tighten the new prevailing torque nut to 62 N·m (46 lb ft).

  13. Install the engine protection shield, if equipped. Refer to Engine Protection Shield Replacement in Frame and Underbody.
  14. Lower the vehicle.

Pitman Arm Replacement 4WD

Tools Required

    •  J 6632-01 Pitman Arm Puller
    •  J 29193 Steering Linkage Installer (12 mm)
    •  J 29194 Steering Linkage Installer (14 mm)
    •  J 29107-A Universal Pitman Arm Puller
    •  J 24319-B Universal Steering Linkage Puller

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 340481  Size: SH
  1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the engine protection shield, if equipped. Refer to Engine Protection Shield Replacement in Frame and Underbody.
  3. Remove the relay rod nut (8) from the pitman arm ball stud (2).
  4. Do not reuse the nut.


    Object Number: 397356  Size: SH

    Notice: Do not hammer on the pitman arm, pitman arm shaft or puller. Damage to the pitman arm or steering gear may result.

  5. Use the J 24319-B in order to remove the relay rod from the pitman arm ball stud.

  6. Object Number: 291264  Size: SH
  7. Remove the power steering gear. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement in Power Steering System.
  8. Mark the pitman arm and the pitman shaft in order to ensure the proper alignment at assembly.

  9. Remove the pitman arm nut.
  10. Use the J 29107-A or J 6632-01 in order to remove the pitman arm from the steering gear pitman shaft.
  11. Inspect the ball stud threads for damage.
  12. Inspect the ball stud seals for excessive wear.
  13. Clean the threads on the ball stud.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 340481  Size: SH
  1. Install the pitman arm on the pitman shaft.
  2. Align the marks made at the removal on the pitman arm and the pitman arm shaft.
  3. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  4. Install a new pitman arm nut.
  5. Tighten
    Tighten the pitman arm nut to 250 N·m (184 lb ft).

  6. Install the power steering gear. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement in Power Steering System.
  7. Install the relay rod (9) to the pitman arm ball stud.
  8. Ensure the seal is on the stud.

  9. Object Number: 689037  Size: SH
  10. Install the J 29193 or the J 29194 .
  11. Tighten
    Tighten the J 29193 or the J 29194 to 54 N·m (40 lb ft) in order to seat the tapers.

  12. Remove the J 29193 or the J 29194 .
  13. Install the new relay rod prevailing torque nut.
  14. Tighten
    Tighten the new prevailing torque nut to 62 N·m (46 lb ft).

  15. Install the engine protection shield, if equipped. Refer to Engine Protection Shield Replacement in Frame and Underbody.
  16. Lower the vehicle.
  17. Check the wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.