Regal V6-3.8L VIN K (1997)
Steering Gear: All Technical Service Bulletins
96 Regal, 97-98 Lumina & Monte Carlo, 96-97 Cutlass Supreme , 96 Grand Prix
Lower Pinion Bearing Inspection -- 1996 Buick Regal; 1997-1998 Chevrolet Lumina, Monte Carlo; 1996-1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme; 1996
Pontiac Grand Prix
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.
Tools Required
^
J 44714-B Pinion Bearing Remover
^
J 24319-B Steering Linkage and Tie Rod Puller
1.
Open the hood.
2.
Raise the vehicle on a suitable hoist and support.
3.
Remove the left front tire and wheel assembly.
4.
Support the rear of the engine cradle and remove the two rear cradle attaching bolts.
5.
Partially lower the rear of the engine cradle.
6.
Remove the bolt and separate the intermediate steering shaft from the steering gear.
7.
Lower the rear of the engine cradle as necessary to access and remove the steering gear attaching bolts.
8.
On models equipped with a 3.4L engine, remove the two bolts that attach the heat shield that covers the right steering gear attaching bolt. Remove
the heat shield.
9.
Remove the two bolts that attach the steering gear to the engine cradle.
10.
Remove the nut that attaches the outer left tie rod end to the steering knuckle.
11.
Using the J 24319-B, Steering Linkage and Tie Rod Puller, or equivalent, separate the outer left tie rod from the steering knuckle.
12.
Remove the steering gear from the engine cradle mounting brackets and reposition to access the dust cap (3). Refer to Figure 1.
Important
When removing the dust cap in the next step, watch for loose ball hearings that may have separated from the inner and outer pinion bearing
races.
13.
Remove the dust cap (3) from the steering gear housing (2) and inspect for loose ball bearings. Refer to Figure 1.
