This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the pitman arm on a 2021-2024 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, connecting the steering box to the center link.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Pitman arm × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Pitman arm nut × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and set parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Turn steering wheel to center position and verify wheels are straight
4. Raise front of vehicle and support on jack stands at frame rails
5. Remove front wheels if needed for access

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark pitman arm alignment
   Before loosening anything, mark the relationship between the pitman arm and the steering box sector shaft using a paint marker or scribe. This ensures proper reinstallation alignment and steering wheel centering. Mark both the arm and shaft in at least two locations.
2. 2

   Remove pitman arm nut
   Remove the castle nut or lock nut securing the pitman arm to the steering box sector shaft. Use a large socket and breaker bar if needed as this nut is torqued to 185 Nm. Remove and discard the cotter pin if equipped. Keep the nut for reference but plan to install a new one.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect pitman arm from center link
   Locate the ball stud connection between the pitman arm and the steering center link. Remove the castle nut from this connection. Install a pitman arm puller or ball joint separator to release the taper fit connection. Tighten the puller gradually until the arm separates from the center link. Do not use a pickle fork or hammer as this can damage components.
   ⚠The arm may release suddenly under spring tension - control the movement
4. 4

   Remove pitman arm from sector shaft
   Install the pitman arm puller on the steering box sector shaft, positioning the jaws behind the pitman arm. Tighten the puller forcing screw gradually to push the pitman arm off the splined sector shaft. Apply penetrating oil around the shaft if the arm is stuck. Continue tightening the puller until the arm releases from the shaft taper and splines.
   ⚠Do not strike the pitman arm or steering box with a hammer - use only the proper puller tool
5. 5

   Inspect steering components
   With the pitman arm removed, inspect the steering box sector shaft splines for wear or damage. Check the center link ball stud and socket for excessive play or damage. Inspect the pitman arm ball stud and socket for wear. Replace any worn components. Clean the sector shaft splines with a wire brush.
6. 6

   Install new pitman arm
   Align the new pitman arm with the marks made during disassembly. The pitman arm has master splines and will only fit in the correct position. Slide the arm onto the sector shaft, ensuring the alignment marks match. The arm should slide on with moderate hand pressure - do not force it. If resistance is felt, verify spline alignment.
7. 7

   Install and torque pitman arm nut
   Install the new pitman arm nut onto the sector shaft. Use a torque wrench to tighten the nut to 185 Nm (136 lb-ft). If the nut uses a cotter pin, continue tightening to the next castle slot if needed, but do not back off the nut. Install a new cotter pin and bend the ends to secure.
   Torque spec

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

   Connect pitman arm to center link
   Position the pitman arm ball stud into the center link socket. Install the castle nut and tighten to specification. Verify the ball stud seats fully in the socket before final tightening. Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut and ball stud, bending the ends to lock in place.
9. 9

   Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
   If front wheels were removed, reinstall them and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the wheels just contact the ground. Torque the wheel lug nuts to 156 Nm (115 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Finish lowering the vehicle completely.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners are properly torqued to specification
2. Ensure cotter pins are installed and properly bent on all castle nuts
3. Check that steering wheel is centered when wheels are straight ahead

Verification

• Start the engine and turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock slowly, listening for unusual noises
• Verify steering wheel returns to center properly when released
• Check for any play or looseness in the steering system by having an assistant rock the steering wheel while you observe the pitman arm connection
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed to confirm proper steering operation and verify steering wheel is centered during straight-line driving
• Have front end alignment checked if steering wheel is not properly centered

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