Got my pitman arm replaced and only paid $68 instead of the $100-150 that the ford dealership quoted me. Took it down to Tulsa Auto Spring. Free estimate and nice people. The first time I took it down there they couldn't find the noise and asked me if I could duplicate it. And duplicate it I did. They happily did the work, did it quickly, and even worked on my truck the minute I got there.
But I think the steering pump may be making a bit more noise than it should or it could be a belt. Who knows, but atleast that annoying squeak is no longer there.

 

pony, that should be under warranty? I had mine done and it didn't cost me anything.
Watch out for the upper ball joints next, must be replace with whole arms only.
Don't know why Ford does not put grease fittings in these area. steve

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1997 XLT Supercab emerald green,4.6 auto superchip, MSD 8.5 wires and Bosch plat4 plugs, rear dual exhaust, Atlas wheels w HP 275/60/17 tires, P/F Z pads, Lund steps and quarter window shades, Piaa 1000 in bumpers openings, Trenz billet grille, edlebrock ISA shocks, Powerslider, stainless steel fender trim, Fluidyne tranny cooler, Airaid kit, Gentex electronic compass dimming mirror,A.R.E. lid, Steeda sway bar(at least it doesn't make noises like the Hellwig), newly installed B&M cast aluminum xtra 3 qt tranny pan, Firestone Sport-Rite airbags system with remote pressure gauge mounted on Autometer dual pod with Autometer tranny temp gauge. Just installed Ground Force 2/4 kit. Aim fiberglass front spoiler with Piaa lights, Going back to stock height.



[This message has been edited by MIF-150 (edited 12-10-1999).]

 

Where did they get the pitman arm? I have been told that they are not availible from aftermarket yet.

 

Way past warranty when you're sitting on 52,000 miles. The part does have a life time warranty.

 

Is there a service code number for the Pitman Arm fix?

 

What are the signs or symptoms of the pitman arm problem? I noticed today that when I turnthe steering wheel counterclockwise, there is a groan/moan/low squeek noise. The same sound doesn't happen when I turn the wheel clockwise.

 

the squeak started with turning the wheel one direction then after a month or two it squeaked when turning both directions. not a whine, just a loud annoying squeak as if something needs to be greased.
The place I had this done at is not some backyard little shop. It's a pretty good size business. One building with 13 bays, another with 5 huge bays for semi's and buses, and another building.
part number listed is 190150.

 

Did they get th part from Ford? I have been told that this part is not availible form an aftermarket supplier yet.

 

Pony 6 - Moog USED to make a Ball Bearing aftermarket pitman arm!! I don't know if it's avail for a late model truck - called the "poor mans power steering" - A good parts store might have more info.

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98 F150 S/C 4.6 2wd Vermillion/Silver,HD Tow Pkg, Boards, Vents, Bug Chaser, DIY "breezer" Tailgate, 5th whl hitch, Tool box, 16" OEM Mag's,
Mobil1 /Wix Oil filter/ K&N / air box mod.
In looks & go - Chevy - like a rock.

 

Went to my local Ford Service Shop today and had them "diagnose" the squeek that my '97 F250 was having when turning the steering wheel. The service man told me that squeeks ar hard to diagnose and are often not able to be fxed. I mentioned that there was a service bulletin on the pitman arm.

90 minutes later, I'm driving away with the pitman arm replaced. No more squeeks. Since I'm still under warranty....no charge.

Once again, this forum is a gold mine of information. Thanks!

 

The Pittman arm went out on my '97 at 65K miles. O'Reilly auto parts ordered one from Moog at a cost of approx $40 (I can't find my receipt). Replacing it took 1.5 hrs in my drive way. Easier than typing this message with my toes. Have fun!

 

Now that the pitman arm on my '97 F250 has been replaced, is the fix for this good "for life" or is the design of the truck and the pitman arm something that will need to be fixed over and over again. My truck currently has about 27K on it. Will I need to be having it fixed again in another 20-30K? What have others experienced?

 

If they used a FOMOCO replacement, you may have some of the same problem. Is there a grease fitting on the new arm? If so, you could keep it well lubed to prevent the problem from recurring.

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BLK 2000 F150 XLT 4X4 SuperCab SB, Shift-on-the-fly, 5.4L, 4R70W, 3.55 LS, 4-Wheel disc/ABS, ORP, Keyless, PWR Seat, Slider, Soft tonneau, Cab steps.
MODS: Rhino, Molded flaps

 

The piman arm on mine has a grease fitting on it. Not sure if was ever replaced, since I bought the beast used.
I do have an anoying creek/groan when the wheels are turned, not at full lock, and driving over bumps. Anyone else have this noise?

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'97 F-250 L/D Lariat S/C, 4x4, 5.4, E4OD automatic, 3.73 gears, 4 wh. ABS and 4 wh. disk brakes, gray leather interior,keyless entry w/alarm, outside: white w/gray rocker section, sliding rear window, tow package. Mods- Ford running boards, Ford ventsahdes, Color-matched bug deflector, AVS tail light covers, Tuff Liner bed liner, unknown brand of cat-back exhaust system (previous owner installed).

 

I am a new member so I'm still figuring it out. I am a Ford technician at a reputable dealer in Kent, Washington. I have replaced many pitman arms on f-150's and 250's. The new pitman arm from ford has a updated boot that is supposed the keep water out. So far the updated pitman arms have kept quiet. I haven't had one come back yet.

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