This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the pitman arm on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost RWD, which connects the steering gearbox to the center link of the steering linkage.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

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

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Turn steering wheel to center position and note orientation before beginning work
4. Raise front of vehicle using floor jack at designated front jacking point
5. Secure vehicle on jack stands placed at frame rails behind front wheels
6. Remove driver side front wheel to improve access if needed

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the pitman arm area
   Locate the pitman arm on the driver side of the vehicle, extending from the steering gearbox sector shaft down to the center link. The arm is positioned between the frame rail and the steering linkage. Clean the area around the pitman arm nut and sector shaft with a wire brush to remove dirt and corrosion.
2. 2

   Mark alignment position
   Before removal, mark the exact position of the pitman arm on the steering gearbox sector shaft using a white paint marker or center punch. Create matching marks on both the pitman arm and the sector shaft. This ensures proper alignment during reinstallation and maintains correct steering geometry.
3. 3

   Apply penetrating oil
   Spray penetrating oil on the pitman arm nut threads and at the taper joint where the pitman arm connects to the center link. Allow to soak for 10-15 minutes. This is especially important on vehicles driven in areas with road salt exposure.
4. 4

   Remove pitman arm retaining nut
   Using a breaker bar and deep socket, loosen and remove the large pitman arm nut that secures the arm to the steering gearbox sector shaft. This nut is torqued to 185 Nm and will require significant force to break loose. Hold the steering wheel stationary if needed to prevent gearbox rotation.
   Torque spec

   Pitman Arm Nut185 Nm (136 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Separate pitman arm from center link
   If the pitman arm connects to the center link with a castle nut, remove the cotter pin and loosen (but do not fully remove) the nut. Install a pitman arm puller or pickle fork between the pitman arm and center link taper joint. Tighten the puller to apply pressure, then tap the center link boss sharply with a dead blow hammer to break the taper free. Remove the nut completely once separated.
   ⚠Do not use excessive force with a pickle fork as it may damage the center link boot. A proper pitman arm puller is preferred.
6. 6

   Remove pitman arm from sector shaft
   Position a pitman arm puller over the pitman arm and against the steering gearbox housing. Thread the puller forcing screw against the end of the sector shaft. Tighten the puller steadily until the pitman arm releases from the splined sector shaft. The arm should pop free suddenly when the interference fit breaks. Remove the puller and slide the pitman arm off the shaft.
   ⚠️Keep hands clear of the pitman arm as it may release suddenly from the sector shaft under puller pressure.
7. 7

   Inspect components
   Examine the steering gearbox sector shaft splines for damage, wear, or rounding. Inspect the center link taper and ball stud for wear, excessive play, or torn boots. Check the removed pitman arm for cracks, worn splines, or elongated mounting holes. Replace any worn or damaged components.
8. 8

   Prepare new pitman arm
   Clean the steering gearbox sector shaft splines with a wire brush and wipe clean. Verify the new pitman arm matches the old unit in design and spline count. Apply a thin coat of clean engine oil to the sector shaft splines to ease installation. Do not use anti-seize compound.
9. 9

   Install pitman arm on sector shaft
   Align the new pitman arm with the alignment marks made during removal. Slide the pitman arm onto the sector shaft splines, ensuring it is oriented correctly. The arm should slide on with moderate hand pressure. If excessive force is required, remove and verify proper spline alignment. Tap the arm onto the shaft using a dead blow hammer if needed, protecting the threads.
   ⚠Incorrect pitman arm orientation will result in improper steering geometry and handling problems. Verify alignment marks match exactly.
10. 10

    Install and torque pitman arm nut
    Thread the pitman arm nut onto the sector shaft by hand. Using a torque wrench, tighten the nut to 185 Nm (136 lb-ft). Verify the pitman arm is fully seated against the sector shaft shoulder and has not shifted from the alignment marks.
    Torque spec

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

    Connect pitman arm to center link
    Position the pitman arm ball stud into the center link taper. Install the castle nut and tighten to the specified torque. Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut slots and ball stud hole, bending the pin ends to secure. If the cotter pin holes do not align, tighten the nut further (never loosen) until the next slot aligns with the hole.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    If the driver side front wheel was removed, reinstall it and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle from jack stands until the tire touches the ground but does not bear full weight. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern, then fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are tightened to proper torque specifications
2. Verify no tools or parts were left in the work area
3. Check that the steering wheel is still centered with wheels pointing straight ahead

Verification

• Start the engine and turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock slowly, listening for any unusual noises or binding
• Perform a visual inspection under the vehicle to verify the pitman arm is secure and properly positioned
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area, confirming proper steering response and no wandering or pulling
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment as soon as possible, as steering geometry may have been affected by the repair

More procedures for this vehicle