Pullers and Presses

What puller do I need for wheel hubs and bearings?

Hub and bearing pullers depend on the vehicle's hub design; kits with interchangeable plates and adapters cover many vehicles, while pressed bearings may need a press or bearing service kit.

How do I safely use a three-jaw puller?

Short answer: Choose a puller rated for the job, center the screw on the shaft, seat the jaws securely behind the part, tighten gradually, and keep clear of the puller in case parts release suddenly.

Three-jaw pullers remove gears, pulleys and bearings from shafts. The jaws grip behind the part while the center screw pushes against the shaft. A puller too small for the job can bend or slip.

Center the screw, seat the jaws evenly, and tighten gradually. Applying heat or penetrating oil can help with stuck parts, following service information.

Wear safety glasses and keep hands clear, since parts can release suddenly. Never use impact tools on pullers unless the maker allows it.

What does a power steering pump analyzer test?

Short answer: A power steering analyzer measures pressure and flow in hydraulic steering systems, showing whether the pump, relief valve or steering gear is at fault for hard steering or noise.

Hard steering, noise or leaks in hydraulic systems can have several causes. An analyzer installs between the pump and steering gear to measure pressure and flow under different conditions, including at the relief valve and with the steering turned.

Results compared with service information can separate a weak pump from a leaking gear or a restriction.

Hydraulic systems hold high pressure. Wear safety glasses, follow the analyzer maker's instructions, keep clear of moving parts while the engine runs, and do not hold the steering at full lock longer than service information allows.

How does a ball joint press work?

A ball joint press uses a C-frame and a forcing screw with adapter cups to push a pressed-in ball joint out of the control arm or knuckle and press a new one in, often without removing the arm.

What is a bearing splitter used for?

Short answer: A bearing splitter wedges behind a bearing or gear where puller jaws cannot grip, and is used with a puller or press to remove the part from a shaft.

Bearings and gears are often pressed tight against shoulders. A bearing splitter slides behind them, giving a solid surface for a puller or press to push against.

Choose a splitter sized for the part. Tighten it evenly, then apply force slowly with a puller or press.

Inspect the splitter edges for damage before use, since a chipped or bent splitter can slip under load. Clean the shaft and apply penetrating oil to make removal easier.

Wear safety glasses and a face shield, as parts can release suddenly. Keep hands clear, use rated equipment, and never exceed the tool's capacity.

How do I remove a pitman arm?

Short answer: Remove the retaining nut, then use a pitman arm puller to push the arm off the steering box shaft, applying steady force and avoiding hammering on the steering box.

Pitman arms are tightly fitted to the steering box shaft. A puller grips the arm and pushes against the shaft to remove it.

Hammering can damage the steering box. Use the right puller for the vehicle, and penetrating oil helps.

Mark the arm's position on the shaft before removal so the steering wheel stays centered, unless the shaft has a master spline. Inspect the splines when the arm comes off.

Support the vehicle safely on a lift or rated jack stands. Wear safety glasses, keep hands clear of the puller, and torque the new nut to service information specifications.

What are suspension bushing tools used for?

Short answer: Bushing tools press worn rubber or polyurethane bushings out of control arms, leaf springs and other parts and press new ones in evenly, often without removing the part from the vehicle.

Bushings isolate suspension parts and wear over time. They are pressed into place, so removal and installation need even force.

Bushing kits use forcing screws, receiver cups and adapters matched to bushing sizes. Some kits target specific truck suspensions.

Lubricate threads on forcing screws to reduce effort and wear, and check that the bushing starts straight before applying full force. A cocked bushing can damage the bore in the arm.

Follow service information for bushing orientation and torque. Support the vehicle safely on a lift or rated jack stands, wear safety glasses, and keep hands clear while pressing.

What is a press and pull sleeve kit?

Short answer: A press and pull sleeve kit uses a threaded spindle and a set of sleeves to press or pull bearings, bushings and hubs on the vehicle, without a shop press.

Many bearings and bushings can be removed and installed on the vehicle with sleeves and a spindle. This saves time compared with removing parts for a shop press.

Kits include sleeves in different sizes. Choose sleeves that support the part correctly.

Lubricate the spindle threads, align sleeves carefully so the part moves straight, and inspect the bore after removal. Store sleeves in their case so the right size is easy to find.

Follow service information for procedures. Support the vehicle safely on a lift or rated jack stands, wear safety glasses, and use the tool within its rating.