Stuck steering idler on the 99 Chevy 4x4

[mommucked]

I removed the bolts on the bracket and the idler/center link but can't pop the arm from the center link. I soaked it w Aerokroil overnight before unbolting.I've hit the the arm w a 3lb hammer but it won't come loose. I tried to use a fork but can't get much of a swing w the hammer.I'm going to take the wheel off tomorrow and should be able to get more cowbell on the fork, any advice about separating it from the center link?

 

[a_kelley]

Pitman arm puller or ball joint/tie rod remover (lever style with a bolt to tighten down).

 

[mommucked]

Pitman arm puller or ball joint/tie rod remover (lever style with a bolt to tighten down).

View attachment 307362

I rented the puller set from advance w 5 or so sizes of the pullers like the one on the right, but the clamps won't fit between the idler and the center link. My plan tomorrow is to pull the wheel, slide a 4' piece of gas pipe on the handle of the fork and smack it w a 10lb sledge.I also wonder if a 3 arm gear type puller might work?

 

[a_kelley]

I've usually been able to fit one of the larger pitman pullers in there, had to turn it clockwise to get it to bite and then tighten it with impact and hit it with a hammer if the impact stalls out. I don't think a 2/3 jaw will get it, since it'll want to go sideways time you get enough torque on it. The puller on the left should do it either, not sure if they rent them but they're only $30 & lifetime.

 

[mommucked]

I've usually been able to fit one of the larger pitman pullers in there, had to turn it clockwise to get it to bite and then tighten it with impact and hit it with a hammer if the impact stalls out. I don't think a 2/3 jaw will get it, since it'll want to go sideways time you get enough torque on it. The puller on the left should do it either, not sure if they rent them but they're only $30 & lifetime.

After work I tried the 4' pipe on the fork to get a good swing w a 3 lb. hammer and it still did not break. Then I sprayed it w PB blaster and called it a night. It was 2 days later I had time to try again.Crawled under and hit the arm w the 3 lb. hammer for the umpteenth time and it popped loose.I was surprised that the stud and the pocket in the center link were not rusted and I cannot figure why it was so hard to break them apart?
The new parts are much better than the OEM.

 

[a_kelley]

Tapered fit.. sometimes they almost "vacuum weld" together