Replace the pitman arm on a 1970 AMC Rebel Machine to restore proper steering linkage connection between the steering box and center link.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Pitman arm × 1 — Use OEM specification for 1970 AMC Rebel with manual or power steering as equipped
• Pitman arm nut × 1 — Replace if damaged or deformed
• Center link castle nut × 1 — Replace if cotter pin slots damaged
• Cotter pin × 1 — Standard size for center link stud

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Center the steering wheel and note position
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands under frame rails
5. Remove front wheels for better access if needed
6. Apply penetrating oil to pitman arm shaft nut and center link connection

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark pitman arm position
   Using a paint marker or center punch, mark the exact rotational position of the pitman arm relative to the steering box sector shaft. Make alignment marks on both the arm and shaft that can be matched during reinstallation. This is critical for maintaining proper steering wheel centering.
2. 2

   Remove center link cotter pin
   Locate where the pitman arm connects to the center link (drag link). Straighten and remove the cotter pin from the castle nut. If the cotter pin is corroded, cut it with side cutters and punch out the remains.
3. 3

   Loosen center link castle nut
   Using an appropriate wrench, loosen but do not fully remove the castle nut connecting the pitman arm ball stud to the center link. Leave the nut on the threads by a few turns to prevent sudden separation when using the separator tool.
4. 4

   Separate pitman arm from center link
   Install a pitman arm puller or pickle fork between the pitman arm and center link. Apply pressure to break the taper joint. If using a pickle fork, note this will likely damage the dust boot. Once the taper breaks free, remove the castle nut completely and separate the center link from the pitman arm ball stud.
   ⚠Do not strike the center link or pitman arm stud with a hammer as this can damage the tapered surfaces and ball joint.
5. 5

   Remove pitman arm shaft nut
   Using a 1-1/8 inch socket and breaker bar, remove the large nut securing the pitman arm to the steering box sector shaft. This nut will be very tight and may require significant force. Keep the steering wheel centered during this process.
6. 6

   Install pitman arm puller
   Thread a pitman arm puller onto the sector shaft or position it over the pitman arm according to the tool design. Ensure the puller is properly seated against the arm and centered on the shaft. Do not use a gear puller or improvised tools as these can damage the steering box.
7. 7

   Remove pitman arm from sector shaft
   Tighten the pitman arm puller gradually and evenly. Apply pressure until the pitman arm releases from the tapered sector shaft. The arm may release suddenly, so maintain control of the tool. Once free, remove the puller and slide the pitman arm off the shaft.
   ⚠The sector shaft seal can be damaged if the pitman arm is forced or hammered. Use only a proper puller and apply steady pressure.
8. 8

   Clean sector shaft and inspect
   Using a wire brush, clean the tapered sector shaft thoroughly. Inspect the shaft for damage, scoring, or wear. Check the steering box sector shaft seal for leakage. If seal damage is evident, address before installing new pitman arm. Clean the splines and taper on the new pitman arm.
9. 9

   Install new pitman arm
   Align the new pitman arm with the alignment marks made during disassembly. Slide the arm onto the sector shaft, ensuring the master spline is properly engaged. The arm should slide on most of the way by hand. Verify alignment marks match before proceeding.
10. 10

    Install and torque pitman arm nut
    Install the pitman arm shaft nut and tighten using a torque wrench. AMC specification for this application is typically 185-200 ft-lbs, but verify with factory service manual. Tighten the nut firmly to fully seat the arm on the tapered shaft. Double-check that alignment marks still match after torquing.
11. 11

    Connect center link to pitman arm
    Raise the center link ball stud into the pitman arm socket. Ensure the tapered stud seats fully into the taper. Install the castle nut and tighten to specification, typically 40-50 ft-lbs for this application. Tighten further if necessary to align cotter pin hole with castle nut slots.
12. 12

    Install cotter pin and verify connection
    Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut and ball stud. Bend the cotter pin ends to secure. Verify the center link connection has no vertical play by attempting to move it by hand. There should be rotational movement but no looseness in the taper joint.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall front wheels if removed and torque lug nuts to specification
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands carefully
3. Remove wheel chocks

Verification

• Start engine and turn steering wheel lock-to-lock slowly while stationary, listening for unusual noises
• Verify steering wheel is still centered with wheels pointing straight ahead
• Check for fluid leaks around steering box sector shaft seal
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area and verify steering response is normal with no binding or looseness
• Have front end alignment checked if steering wheel position has changed or vehicle pulls to one side

More procedures for this vehicle