1996 Lumina APV, Trans Sport, and Silhouette

Lower Pinion Bearing Inspection (Includes Steering Gear Replacement, If Required)

Because of limited access in this vehicle, the pinion bearing can only be inspected after the steering gear has been removed from the vehicle. For additional information on steering gear removal and bleeding the system, see the steering section of the appropriate service manual.

Important
Tool J-44714-A is required to perform this service procedure.

1. From inside the vehicle, remove the driver's side insulator panel from under the instrument panel (IP).

2. Disconnect the intermediate steering shaft from the steering column.

3. Open the hood.

4. Raise the vehicle on a suitable hoist and support.

5. Remove both wheel and tire assemblies.

6. Remove the cotter pins and nuts from both outer tie rod ends.

7. Using J-24319-B (outer tie rod end puller) or equivalent, separate both tie rod ends from the steering knuckles.

8. Support the rear of the engine frame (cradle) and remove the two rear attaching bolts.

9. Lower the rear of the engine cradle as necessary to access the steering gear.

10. Remove the bolts attaching the heat shield to the steering gear and remove the shield.

11. Disconnect the pressure and return lines from the steering gear.

12. Remove the two bolts that attach the steering gear to the engine cradle

13. Separate the intermediate steering shaft cover (boot) from the steering gear.

14. Remove the steering gear from the vehicle.

Important
When removing the dust cap in the next step, watch for loose ball bearings that may have separated from the inner and outer pinion bearing races.





15. On a suitable work surface, remove the dust cap (3) from the steering gear housing (2) and inspect for loose ball bearings, see Figure 1.

^ If no ball bearings were found in the dust cap, proceed to the next step and replace the lower pinion bearing.

^ If one or more ball bearings were found loose in the dust cap, proceed to step 31 and replace the complete steering gear assembly.





16. Loosen the adjuster plug lock nut (3) and the adjuster plug (2), see Figure 2. Do not remove the plug.

Important
If the stub shaft is not held in the next step, damage to the pinion teeth will occur.

17. While holding the stub shaft (1), remove the retaining nut (4) from the pinion shaft, see Figure 1. Do not reuse the nut.





18. Remove the lower retaining snap ring (1), see Figure 3.





19. Carefully insert the legs (1) of pinion bearing remover J-44714-1 (included in J-44714-A) between the balls in the lower pinion bearing, see Figure 4.





20. Assemble the center bolt (2) into the forcing screw (1) of the tool, see Figure 5. Back the center bolt at least 25 mm (1 in) inside the forcing screw.





21. Assemble the forcing screw (2) inside the puller legs (1), see Figure 6. Finger tighten the forcing screw to push the puller legs against the bearing.





22. Using a 24 mm wrench to hold the forcing screw, use a 17 mm socket to tighten the center bolt until the bearing is removed from the gear housing, see Figure 7. Do not reuse the bearing.

23. Apply a small quantity of lubrication inside the housing bore where the new bearing will be installed.

24. Center the new bearing over the pinion thread. The bearing can be installed with either side facing outwards.





25. Place the bearing installer (1) J-44714-2 (included in J-44714-A) over the pinion thread, see Figure 8. Lightly tap with a hammer until the bearing is seated in the housing.





26. Install a new snap ring. When properly installed, the large lug (1) on the snap ring must be on the right side as shown in Figure 9.

Important
If the stub shaft is not held in the next step, damage to the pinion teeth will occur.





27. While holding the stub shaft (1) install a new retaining nut (3) on the pinion shaft, see Figure 10. Tighten to 30 Nm (22 lb ft)

28. Install a new dust cap (2) to the steering gear housing.





29. With the rack centered in the housing, tighten the adjuster plug (2) to 10 Nm (88 lb in), then back off 40 to 50 degrees (4), see Figure 11. Check the torque on the pinion. Maximum pinion preload torque is 4 Nm (35 lb in).

30. Tighten the adjuster plug lock nut (3) firmly against the steering gear housing while holding the adjuster plug (2) stationary.

31. If installing a new steering gear, transfer the intermediate steering shaft from the old steering gear to the new steering gear. Tighten the bolt to 48 Nm (35 lb ft).

32. If installing a new steering gear, remove the tie rod ends from the old steering gear.

33. Measure the position of the adjuster nuts on the old steering gear and adjust the new nuts on the new steering gear to the same measurement.

34. Install the tie rod ends on the new steering gear and tighten the adjuster nuts to 30 Nm (22 lb ft) plus 120 degrees (or 2 flats of the nut).

35. Install the steering gear to the engine cradle in the vehicle.

36. Install the two bolts attaching the steering gear to the cradle. Tighten to 80 Nm (59 lb ft).

37. Connect the pressure and return lines to the steering gear. Tighten to 27 Nm (20 lb ft).

38. Install the heat shield to the steering gear and install the attaching bolts. Tighten to 14 Nm (124 lb in).

39. Raise the rear of the engine cradle and install the rear attaching bolts. Tighten to 165 Nm (122 lb ft).

40. Reposition the intermediate steering shaft cover (boot) and attach to the steering gear.

41. Connect the outer tie rod ends to the steering knuckles and install the nuts. Tighten the nuts to 10 Nm (88 lb in) and then tighten the nuts an additional 180 degrees (1/2 turn). If necessary, rotate (tighten) the nuts to align the hole and install the cotter pins.

42. Install both wheel and tire assemblies. Tighten the lug nuts to 140 Nm (103 lb ft).

43. Lower the vehicle

44. From inside the vehicle, connect the intermediate shaft to the steering column. Tighten the bolt to 48 Nm (35 lb ft).

45. Install the driver's side insulator panel under the IP.

46. Add power steering fluid as necessary and bleed the system

47. Check alignment and set toe-in as necessary.

48. Install the GM Recall Identification Label.

Important
For U.S. and Canada: All replaced steering gears are to be held until a return request is received from the GM Warranty Parts Center (WPC). For additional information, refer to service bulletin # 99-00-89-19B, issued February 2002. DO NOT RETURN REPLACED STEERING GEARS TO GMSPO.