Lower Pinion Bearing Inspection

The following service procedure is for inspection of the lower pinion bearing and can be performed without completely removing the steering gear from the vehicle.

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

1. Open the hood.

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

3. Remove the two bolts attaching the steering gear to the engine frame (cradle).

4. Release the brake pipe from the retainers at three locations on the engine cradle.

5. Remove the steering gear from the engine cradle mounting brackets and reposition to access the lower pinion shaft dust cap.

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.

6. 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 the section in this recall bulletin titled "Steering Gear Replacement" for the described vehicle.

7. 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.

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

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

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

Important
Inspect the gear housing to ensure that no parts of the old bearing remain.

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

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

16. Place the bearing installer (1) JA4714-2 (included in J-44714-A) over the pinion thread, see Figure 8. If necessary, use extension JA4714-3 included with the installer. Lightly tap with a hammer until the bearing is seated in the housing.

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

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

18. 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).

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

20. 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).

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

22. Reinstall the steering gear in the engine cradle mounting brackets.

23. Reattach the brake pipe to the retainers on the engine cradle.

24. Install the two bolts attaching the steering gear to the cradle. Tighten to 120 Nm (88 lb ft).

25. Lower the vehicle.

26. Check the power steering fluid level and add if necessary.

27. Install the GM Recall Identification Label.