Remove and replace the pitman arm connecting the steering gear to the center link on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Pitman arm × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Pitman arm castle nut × 1 — Use new nut if corroded

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Center the steering wheel and note its position for alignment reference
4. If equipped, use steering wheel holder or bungee cord to secure steering wheel in centered position
5. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame rails
6. Remove driver side front wheel for better access to steering components
7. Spray penetrating oil on pitman arm nut and center link taper if components appear corroded

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the pitman arm
   Locate the pitman arm on the driver side of the vehicle, extending from the steering gear output shaft down to the center link. Clean the area around the pitman arm connection points with a wire brush to remove dirt and rust.
2. 2

   Mark alignment reference
   Before removal, use a paint marker or scribe to mark the relationship between the pitman arm and the steering gear sector shaft. This ensures proper reinstallation alignment and maintains steering wheel centering.
3. 3

   Remove pitman arm nut
   Using a socket and breaker bar, remove the castle nut securing the pitman arm to the center link. The nut may have a cotter pin or lock tab that must be removed first. Discard the cotter pin if present.
   Torque spec

   Pitman Arm Nut185 Nm (136 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Separate pitman arm from center link
   Install a pitman arm puller or pickle fork between the pitman arm and center link taper. Tighten the puller to apply steady pressure until the taper releases. Do not hammer on the puller or use excessive force. The joint will release suddenly when the taper breaks free.
   ⚠A pickle fork will damage the center link boot and should only be used if the center link is also being replaced. Use a proper pitman arm puller for this repair.
5. 5

   Remove pitman arm from sector shaft
   Remove the large nut securing the pitman arm to the steering gear sector shaft. The nut is very tight and requires substantial force to break loose. Once removed, use the pitman arm puller positioned between the arm and steering gear to separate the taper. Thread the puller bolt into the sector shaft threads and tighten until the arm releases.
   ⚠Do not strike the sector shaft or pitman arm with a hammer, as this can damage internal steering gear bearings and seals.
   Torque spec

   Pitman Arm Nut185 Nm (136 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove pitman arm
   Once both tapers are separated, remove the pitman arm from the vehicle. Inspect the sector shaft splines and taper for damage, wear, or scoring. Check the center link taper and boot for damage.
7. 7

   Prepare new pitman arm
   Compare the new pitman arm to the old one to verify correct replacement. Clean the sector shaft splines and taper with a wire brush. Ensure the taper on the new pitman arm and center link are clean and free of grease or oil for proper seating.
8. 8

   Install pitman arm to sector shaft
   Align the new pitman arm with the alignment marks made during disassembly. Slide the arm onto the sector shaft splines, ensuring the master spline aligns correctly. The arm should slide on smoothly without force. Install the sector shaft nut and hand-tighten.
9. 9

   Torque sector shaft nut
   Using a torque wrench, tighten the pitman arm nut on the sector shaft to specification. This is a critical connection requiring proper torque for safe steering operation.
   Torque spec

   Pitman Arm Nut185 Nm (136 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Connect pitman arm to center link
    Position the pitman arm taper into the center link socket. Ensure the taper is fully seated with no gap visible. Install the castle nut and tighten to specification using a torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Pitman Arm Nut185 Nm (136 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Verify alignment and reinstall wheel
    Check that the steering wheel is still centered and aligned with the marks made during removal. Remove steering wheel holder if used. Reinstall the driver side front wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern.
12. 12

    Lower vehicle and final torque
    Lower the vehicle to the ground. With the vehicle weight on the wheels, torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Remove jack stands and wheel chocks.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification before operating the vehicle
2. Verify steering wheel remains centered after pitman arm installation
3. Check for any interference between the pitman arm and surrounding components through full steering range

Verification

• Start the engine and turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock, listening for any unusual noises or binding
• Verify steering returns to center smoothly without pulling to either side
• Check that the steering wheel is centered when driving straight ahead
• Inspect all connection points for proper seating and torque
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment as soon as possible, as replacing the pitman arm affects toe alignment and steering geometry

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