Removing My Power Steering Gear Box and Pitman Arm from the Duramax!

Today I am going to be removing the power steering gear from my Duramax. This process should work on most cars and trucks equipped with this old style of steering box, but you may want to check for minor differences in hardware etc. I will also be removing the pitman arm from the drag link and steering gearbox and the intermediate shaft found on most late model trucks.
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🔧Special Tools needed for this job 🔧
11 mm wrench/socket for removing the intercooler piping and lower intermediate shaft bolt
15mm wrench/ socket for removing the upper intermediate shaft bolt
18 mm wrench (flare wrench is ideal, but I used a regular one) for the power steering lines
21mm socket for removing the pitman arm nut and the 3 steering gear mounting bolts
22mm socket for removing the wheel locknuts
An adjustable wrench for the large pitman arm nut. (the sizes of this vary depending on the year and model of the vehicle, but mine was 1 5/16 or 33mm)
A pickle fork for removing the pitman arm from the drag link (I also had to use a torch to help loosen it up): amzn.to/3hmheUh
A Pitman arm puller: amzn.to/39gOiKv
A good sledgehammer
A ton of elbow grease!
Disclaimer
I am an Amazon Associate and I receive a small commission if you choose to purchase tools or parts through my links. They don't cost you any extra and it helps us to continue creating more fun videos like this one.
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Our videos are for entertainment purposes and if you came for expert automotive advice, I am sorry 😅 because I am definitely not an expert. These videos are about our lives and our current Daily Drifter Builds.
We like to show the struggles that most channels try to make look easier than they are. We build our cars inside my garage with the limited tools we have available. I hope you still find my failures entertaining and have a great day!
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🎧Music Credits🎧
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[@markthomas4083]

Years ago I worked on my Duramax, was too lazy to remove both negative terminals. This exhibition of laziness cost me close to a thousand dollars. Fried my AC compressor. The wrench I used to remove the alternator welded itself to my AC pump. To say I was upset is an understatement. Yes, disconnect both negative terminals first task! This video is fantastic.

[@selcosucks]

I think I’m just gonna keep adding fluid after this video

[@andrewkitchens3917]

Unless you like mine where it pissed out the whole reservoir in one 20 minute drive 😔

[@Abel3270]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@marcbenedict3676]

Haha im adding fluid about once a week

[@baadkittymeow1306]

That’ll work until your hydroboost runs dry to many times and takes it out also taking out your braking power

[@BoostedFA]

​@@andrewkitchens3917mines doing that now.

[@MrStaybrown]

Thank you. I just started this and decided to look it up before I got too far. I appreciate it.

[@iantully2248]

Awsome video and VERY helpful and informative lesson on how to do this job safely. I'll be doing same job in a few days and this video made my day. Thank YOU for taking the time to help guys like me. I live on a remote island and getting to a fix it shop in a timely manner is not possible.

[@cybermavrik]

Excellent work producing this video. This job is actually a lot easier than I thought it would be

[@markthomas4083]

I pulled the trigger on the PSC unit. My regular mechanic has been sick lately. This video will help a great deal. Think positive YT family. God bless us all. 🌠🌠🙏🧘‍♂️

[@johndoee5620]

Great video man definitely got my subscription

[@johnnybear111]

Great video from one grinder to another

[@warrior59paul11]

Thank you, and God bless your efforts Sir!

[@michaelmaxon2931]

Thanks for getting to the point and actually showing what actually needed to be done. I think I watched the same videos you mentioned that were dumb and they didn't show anything you need to know. Keep doing what you're doing!!

[@smittys19daytona]

very clear instruction thanks

[@northfloridafungi9336]

Great video man, I have an entirely different vehicle and this video helped me replace my steering gear box 😊

[@DormantIdeasNIQ]

You're a gent! To the point, no BS, well done... liked and subscribed AND YOU PROVIDE A DETAILED LIST of tools needed in the description! Thank you! I got the very same job on a 2011 express 4500 minibus(built on a cutaway van frame) I knew this was not something to tackle willy nilly... even on the Silverado where one can get to the engine much more easily than on a cutaway van, it's a nightmare of taking all sorts of crap apart before being able to get to it! It's like trying to get to the glow plugs... horrendous! Out of the corner of my eye in the thumbnail list I see: Silverado Install Gear Box, Pitman Arm and idler bracket.... wooooooooooo! there I go!

[@nerdsofthefist]

The rut is real. The rut is real.

[@kyletracey5819]

Have to pull mine. Ugg. Nothing worse then having to work on the ground and smashing hands !! Thanks for the post. Now we have to work out ? Lol

[@fbh31118]

Thanks for sharing! Good practical information on a cruddy job.

[@dougboulet9814]

Very helpful!!!

[@andrewkitchens3917]

Thanks for the video. This is what I used as a guide to do mine!

[@TheDailyDrift]

Anytime, glad to help

[@LordsOfLag]

Ended up leaving the top portion of the shaft in the truck and everything else went to plan pretty easily

[@kananrolsen]

3.5 hours! Screw you ive been at it for 5 and I'm still not done! Jk thank you it's been the most helpful video I could find

[@wesleymadsen4357]

You'll get that on those big jobs

[@ajaygates5066]

Very good presentation.. Good for the amateur mechanic,Thanks

[@josealeman9340]

Excellent video and straight to the point, I need to do mine on. chevy 3500 Duramax

[@paintslayer1995]

How did it go I’m looking to do mine as well

[@rafaellara4122]

Good work bud

[@redwoodguyTTV]

Great Video! Helped me brush up on this job. On my 3rd box now and I can tell you this: you don’t have to to take off the intercooler pipe but you DAMN sure want to!!!! Also, USE OEM OR BETTER PARTS! Do not cheap out on these parts. My second box was a rebuilt piece and almost cost me my life.

[@BoostedFA]

Taking the intercooler piping snd jacking the truck up are pro tips. They definitely will save you time. I changed the pump without taking the pipe off this time and I was cursing. So much easier to do the job with it off. Edit: you definitely gashed your hand good.

[@clay1671]

Great video awesome listing all the tools needed for the job did you rebuild that box or replace it if replaced what brand did you go with I'm hearing a lot of bad about using reman steering boxes

[@alexiswestwood809]

What is the second arm that you remove from the gear box called? (The one with the 11mm bolt) and is it the one that come straight from the steering column? I need to replace the seal on that arm in my truck and I'm trying to figure out what it is called. Also I really appreciate that you show all of the really pain in the ass parts of working on old trucks like all the shit stuck on by corrosion and the pesty bolts. Everyone else always glazes over that stuff when it ends up being the hardest part so thank you.

[@deanwlkr]

The steering shaft?

[@uksam2000]

Good video, surprised you don't have more subscribers. When do we get to see how the built Miata is getting on?

[@TheDailyDrift]

uksam2000 thanks I really appreciate it, I’m actually rendering a video all about the Miata right now. It should be out a little later today ✌️

[@uksam2000]

@@TheDailyDrift awesome, look forward to it. Keep up the good work.

[@feliciano3076]

Just did this on my truck and I also had to use your method of torch and hammer haha great video though very informational

[@TheDailyDrift]

feliciano3076 thanks, yeah you just can’t beat a little heat 😅

[@MoneyManHolmes]

Looks like a big pain... is there a way to get that pitman arm away from the frame and more accessible for the puller with it still in the truck? Can you twist it enough if you remove the 3 mounting bolts?

[@857547020]

All right guys a buddy of my replace my gearbox on a 2500 Silverado HD 6.0 engine and even though it's not leaking power steering fluid anymore just steering wheel feels a little bit well not a little bit but a whole lot stiff and not responsive like if I want to go left and right I have to do a lot of force back and forth you know either left or right if I go left and then the road goes straight to steering wheel doesn't correct itself any advice what's going on maybe air in the system

[@fredstrine916]

Good job buddy

[@a.caballero9514]

Good video, thanks. Just looking at the nice garage floor and I nearly had a stroke.

[@SuperRamon77777]

Thank you for video... Trying to replace my gearbox, 92 K3500 dually, Salem Oregon ✌️⚽🤟

[@kgardner004]

And it helps if you use the right tools you should have used a flare wrench it won't slip

[@jason6325]

Little tip A wiz / cutting wheel Cut 3/4 way thru that pitman arm. Then it will come right off. I know this because i fought one for 3 hrs and said the hell with this. And cut off. Then cussed myself for not doing that 1st

[@edkay3601]

to get a stubborn pitman arm out drill 3, 1/4 inch holes vertically in it and hit the center of the holes with a chisel and hammer. The arm will split and then its history!

[@dustinrueb4935]

Do you have a follow up of putting it back together?

[@PulpoPromotions]

Did you do a part two to this video?

[@TheDailyDrift]

So unfortunately I did film it, but my microphone burnt out on me and all the audio was scratched. I tried recovering it and fixing it, but it was unwatchable. Install is pretty much the reverse of removal, but the important thing is to make sure your wheel doesn’t turn when you install it back in. I used a bar through it to hold it in place. Outside of that, it’s pretty straight forward. Oh yeah and bleed the lines too.

[@MoneyManHolmes]

Are the lines self bleeding on these? Just turn the wheel back and forth several times?

[@middleroad00]

Thanks good video, and you are correct, that was informative and gives me a very good idea of what's ahead. As @Kyle Tracey states "UGGGGGH!" Hope that your hand healed properly.

[@MrJdez09]

Doing this now bro haha thanks for the video help

[@TheDailyDrift]

Haha you have a duramax now? That’s awesome

[@JORDANJUNCTION1969]

Had the job done. Wheel is 45 degrees off. Mechanic claims alignment will fix it. Doesn't that had to be lined up just right (shaft to box) or is it error proof? Thx

[@TheDailyDrift]

The Pittman arm is keyed so it can go on one way, but if the box turns at all while it’s off the vehicle it may cause the wheel to be off. If it is off, most alignment shops will straighten it out when they do the alignment. It’s usually a good idea to get an alignment when the suspension is worked on like this anyway. Hope this helps clarify things a bit.

[@tuloko16]

@@TheDailyDrift did you end up replacing the unit, or rebuilding/re sealing it?

[@robertpaul3675]

Is it better to use atf for a box or ps fluid?

[@NDProps]

there are seals in there you can melt so be very careful.

[@jason6325]

What's the reason you changed your gear box?

[@TheDailyDrift]

Mine was leaking really bad and was loose internally.

[@beeleif9824]

praying this works wish me luck

[@TheDailyDrift]

bee leif good luck!

[@hungryhungryhummer]

Just did this on my hummer h2 and I have to say if I had to do it again, I would not do it again. Take it to someone with a lift and let them break their fingers when that steering box falls out.

[@IMADALBASRII]

Good job but you should keep garage clean and your hands Plus check part before open

[@laxtonhardin9041]

Tap on a clip to paste it in the text box.

[@danielholtzapple7124]

Get rid of that mushroomed end or the hole fork. When you smack on that metal flies off you don't see and metal splinters .

[@edwarddeleon431]

Brand new to Diesels and i did this so anyone can i just coudnt think of a repair bill 😂

[@grantgrow]

It's like your truck gave birth

[@Cameleon_1258]

Did you end up going back with a stock or aftermarket gear box?

[@TheDailyDrift]

I ended up getting a rebuilt box because I just didn't have the time to rebuild it myself.

[@jeffreeder8274]

Where's the installation video.?

[@TheDailyDrift]

Unfortunately the audio from the install got completely destroyed. My microphone I was using gave out on me during the shoot. I was unable to salvage it, sorry about that.

[@rickiebennett-sb9oh]

Honey , sit in there and turn the steering wheel a few times.

[@ryandach3289]

😂😂😂

[@matthewsalvador9783]

Being lazy is a lot of hard work and lots of frustration....

[@jboblongway252]

That's alot of tape for a paper cut🤣🤣

[@stevedewolf1]

you should step up you PPE game bro before you get hurt. oh wait, never mind.

[@a.caballero9514]

right at 9:00

[@shanedunaway6909]

Good instruction brother but it was still a crappy job. Done is done tho

[@Reallionaire314]

Bro, you need to invest into aome quality tools. You working too hard with those wrenches when you coulda used an socket and ratchet or impact wrench

[@KP-sg9fm]

9:11 *lewd shaft noises*

[@OnTheCheap1]

Think smarter, not harder... Get an impact wrench

[@chrisheffernan6600]

Duramax is not a vehicle brand, it is a diesel engine, nothing more, nothing less. You would get better hits if you labeled it GMC Sierra or Chevrolet Silverado. The engine states nothing.

[@gottabsleeved]

Put some gloves on,wheres part 2 to finish job?

[@Rawlow21]

😅

[@ef2967]

Next time wear gloves :D

[@ernief1879]

Ouch! Wear gloves next time :D