GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Pitman Arm Replacement C4500/C5500

Tools Required

J 39256 Pitman Arm Puller

Removal Procedure

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

    Important: Pitman arms are non-repairable. Replace the pitman arm when the arm becomes damaged or worn.


    Object Number: 905579  Size: SH
  1. Loosen the pitman arm nut (1) approximately one turn.
  2. Remove the relay rod from the pitman arm. Refer to Relay Rod Replacement

  3. Object Number: 215964  Size: SH
  4. Mark the position of the pitman arm (13) on the pitman shaft (12).
  5. Remove the pitman arm nut (1).
  6. Remove the flat washer (14), if equipped.

  7. Object Number: 215968  Size: SH
  8. Use J 39256 in order to remove the pitman arm. Place a prybar or similar tool between the pitman arm and the frame to prevent the pitman arm from turning when the bolt is tightened on J 39256 .

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 215964  Size: SH
  1. Align the position marks made during the removal.
  2. Install the pitman arm (13).
  3. Install the flat washer, if equipped (14).
  4. 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.

  5. Install the pitman arm nut (1).
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the pitman arm nut to 325 N·m (240 lb ft).

  7. Install the relay rod assembly. Refer to Relay Rod Replacement .

Pitman Arm Replacement C6500/C7500/C8500

Tools Required

J 39256 Pitman Arm Puller

Removal Procedure

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

    Important: Pitman arms are non-repairable. Replace the pitman arm when the arm becomes damaged or worn.


    Object Number: 905579  Size: SH
  1. Loosen the pitman arm nut (1) approximately one turn.
  2. Remove the relay rod from the pitman arm. Refer to Relay Rod Replacement .

  3. Object Number: 215964  Size: SH
  4. Mark the position of the pitman arm (13) on the pitman shaft (12).
  5. Remove the pitman arm nut (1).
  6. Remove the flat washer, if equipped (14) .

  7. Object Number: 215968  Size: SH
  8. Use J 39256 in order to remove the pitman arm. Place a prybar or similar tool between the pitman arm and the frame to prevent the pitman arm from turning when the bolt is tightened on J 39256 .

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 215964  Size: SH
  1. Align the position marks made during the removal.
  2. Install the pitman arm (13).
  3. Install the flat washer, if equipped (14).
  4. 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.

  5. Install the pitman arm nut (1).
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the pitman arm nut to 370 N·m (275 lb ft).

  7. Install the relay rod assembly. Refer to Relay Rod Replacement .

Pitman Arm Replacement 4WD

Tools Required

J 39256 Pitman Arm Puller

Removal Procedure

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

    Important: Pitman arms are non-repairable. Replace the pitman arm when the arm becomes damaged or worn.


    Object Number: 905579  Size: SH
  1. Loosen the pitman arm nut (1) approximately one turn.
  2. Remove the relay rod from the pitman arm. Refer to Relay Rod Replacement .
  3. Mark the position of the pitman arm on the pitman shaft.
  4. Remove the pitman arm nut.
  5. Remove the flat washer, if equipped.

  6. Object Number: 215968  Size: SH
  7. Use J 39256 in order to remove the pitman arm from the power steering gear. Place a prybar or similar tool between the pitman arm and the frame to prevent the pitman arm from turning when the bolt is tightened on J 39256 .

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 905579  Size: SH
  1. Align the position marks made during the removal.
  2. Install the pitman arm (2) to the power steering gear.
  3. Install the flat washer, if equipped.
  4. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  5. Install the pitman arm nut (1).
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 350 N·m (258 lb ft).


    Object Number: 215964  Size: SH
  7. Install the relay rod to the pitman arm.
  8. Install the relay rod to pitman arm nut.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 350 N·m (258 lb ft).