WTF is a pitman arm? When I took my truck in for the fuel line recall they said my pitman arm was squeeking. They said you can hear it when driving but I never heard it. I think they are trying to make some money off of me for no reason. They said the part is about $35. If I ever hear it I'll replace it myself. All I know is that is has something to do with the front suspension or steering.

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1997 XLT Teal 4.6L Flareside 4x4. Automatic, Reg. cab, tinted windows, bug deflector, Dual exhaust, K&N Generation 2 air filter, BullDog keyless entry/remote start(installed myself), Custom 16" wheels, bedliner, Covercraft tonneau cover, electronic shift on the fly. Going to add headers.

 

Open your window and turn your wheel slowly. If it sounds like an old rusty door hinge then your pitman arms are probably toast. So much for lubed for life.

 

Check out this thread.

 

The pittman arm is what connects the steering gear box to the steering linkage. Just had mine replaced by Ford, under warranty. Here is the break down:
Arm, Steering = $36.62
Labor- 1.8hrs =$106.20
Misc. = 5.00
Total =$147.82
If mine was out of warranty, I would buy/rent the tool to remove the pittman arm, and do it myself.

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You have to have a special tool to remove it? If that is true I might just pay $50 for the dedcutible and have the place I bought the truck from do it.

 

I know exactly what a pittman arm is, since the one on my old POS 4Runner would need new bushings every time I went 4wheeling.

The Pittman arm is the link between the frame and the steering linkage, mounted on the opposite frame rail as the power steering gearbox. When the bushings go bad, your right-hand wheel will have too much play in the steering and your truck will handle like crap - and it squeeks like a bastard.

The Ford pittman arm has sealed bushings that supposedly don't require lube, but most of them need grease or replacement after about 70k. I think the newer trucks have a grease fitting on them.

Get a nice tube of that pink Mobil 1 Synthetic grease and a needle for your greasegun and go to town - no need to replace the pittman arm unless there is too much side-to-side play in the steering.

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Howie's Effie
Amazon Green 2000 F150 XLT 5.4L 4x4 ORP Supercab Flareside
Captains Chairs, Electronic Shift, Rear Slider, Keyless Entry, Cab Steps, 3.55 L/S
Mods: Superchip, FIPK, Flowmaster Force II, Rhino Liner, fogs + hibeams

 

Hey King, try the link and let the guys at this great website help you out. At least try greasing it, because just think, what do you have to lose? I remember reading the thread and there were numerous people who had greased their pitman arms and put an end to the squeaking. I'd much rather buy a tube of grease and a grease needle for about $5.00 or less than spend $147.00 on a whole new pitman arm.

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Black 1997 F-150 Extended Cab
4x4 w/Off-Road Package
5.4 liter Triton V8
Luverne Stainless Steel Nerf Bars
DeeZee Silver Series Toolbox
Grizzly Oval Style Chrome Grill/Brush Guard
Wrap around bug shield
Ventshade Ventvisors
Ford Factory Bedliner
Pioneer Deh-P6000 45 Watt CD stereo w 2 12" Sony XPlod Subwoofers
3" Performance Accessories Body Lift running factory tires right now
Smittybilt Outland Tail light guards.
Just Received today: 16x10 American Racing Polished Atlas Wheels

 

Searching for power steering pump problems, I came upon this thread. Could this same pitman arm be on my 98 Windstar? That mother squeaks like hell when you turn the steering wheel--was told it is a Ford problem and would have to be replaced. IF the grease gun/needle greasing is possible, I'm all for it instead. Anyone have this problem on Windstars too? Both my vehicles are out of warranty and I wouldn't mind trying a home fix first...

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Dave
97 Ext. Cab, some extras!
[IMG]http://i16.yimg.com/16/b4608ef5/h/b8ae6a96/97truck.jpg

[This message has been edited by F150_guy (edited 04-23-2001).]