This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the pitman arm on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost 4WD, including disconnection from the steering gear and center link.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Pitman arm × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Pitman arm nut × 1 — Replace if damaged during removal

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Turn steering wheel to straight-ahead position
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands under frame rails
5. Remove front wheels for improved access
6. Spray pitman arm nut and taper connection with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark pitman arm position
   With steering wheel centered, use a paint marker or scribe to mark the exact position of the pitman arm relative to the steering gear sector shaft. This ensures proper reinstallation and maintains steering wheel alignment.
2. 2

   Remove pitman arm nut
   Using a breaker bar and socket, loosen and remove the pitman arm nut from the steering gear sector shaft. The nut is torqued to 185 Nm and will require significant force to loosen. Keep the nut for inspection.
   Torque spec

   Pitman Arm Nut185 Nm (136 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Separate pitman arm from sector shaft
   Install a pitman arm puller onto the arm with the forcing screw centered on the sector shaft end. Tighten the puller forcing screw gradually while tapping the pitman arm boss with a hammer to shock the taper loose. Do not use a pickle fork as this will damage the seal. Continue tightening until the arm releases from the taper.
   ⚠Do not strike the sector shaft directly as this can damage the steering gear internal components.
4. 4

   Disconnect center link from pitman arm
   Locate the connection point between the pitman arm and the center link (drag link). Remove the cotter pin if equipped, then loosen and remove the castle nut. Use a tie rod separator or pickle fork to separate the center link ball stud from the pitman arm. The pitman arm can now be removed from the vehicle.
   ℹ️The center link connection uses a taper fit. Gentle tapping while applying separator pressure will help break it free.
5. 5

   Clean sector shaft and inspect
   With the pitman arm removed, clean the steering gear sector shaft splines and taper with a wire brush. Inspect for damage, wear, or corrosion. Check the sector shaft seal for leaks. Wipe clean with a shop rag.
6. 6

   Install new pitman arm onto sector shaft
   Align the new pitman arm with the alignment marks made during removal. Slide the arm onto the sector shaft splines, ensuring proper orientation. The arm should slide on with light resistance. Install the new or inspected pitman arm nut hand-tight.
   ⚠Ensure the pitman arm is oriented correctly per alignment marks. Incorrect installation will result in steering wheel misalignment.
7. 7

   Torque pitman arm nut
   Using a torque wrench, tighten the pitman arm nut to 185 Nm (136 lb-ft). This is a critical torque specification. Verify the arm is fully seated on the taper during tightening.
   Torque spec

   Pitman Arm Nut185 Nm (136 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Connect center link to pitman arm
   Position the center link ball stud into the pitman arm socket. Install the castle nut and tighten to specification. Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut and ball stud, bending the ends to secure.
9. 9

   Reinstall wheels
   Install the front wheels and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until tires contact the ground but weight is not fully on wheels. Torque lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Lower vehicle and final checks
    Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands. Start the engine and turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock several times to verify smooth operation and no binding. Check for any unusual noises or resistance.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification, particularly the pitman arm nut at 185 Nm
2. Verify steering wheel is centered when front wheels are pointed straight ahead
3. Check that no tools or parts were left in the work area

Verification

• Start engine and turn steering wheel through full range of motion, listening for unusual noises
• With engine running, verify power steering operates smoothly with no binding or resistance
• Visually inspect pitman arm connection points for proper seating and torque
• Test drive vehicle at low speed to verify steering response and wheel centering
• Schedule a professional front-end alignment to verify steering geometry after pitman arm replacement

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