Recall - Steering Gear Pinion Bearing Separation
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If no ball bearings were found in the dust cap, proceed to the next step and replace the lower pinion bearing.
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If one or more ball bearings were found loose in the dust cap, proceed to the section in this bulletin titled, "Steering Gear Replacement," for
the described vehicle.
14.
Reposition the steering gear as necessary to access the adjuster plug lock nut and the adjuster plug.
Notice
Failure to perform the next step may result in damage to the lower pinion bearing removal tool, J 44714-1.
15.
Loosen the adjuster plug nut (3) and the adjuster plug (2). Refer to Figure 2. Do not remove the plug.
Notice
If the stub shaft is not held in the next step, damage to the pinion teeth will occur.
16.
While holding the stub shaft (1), remove the retaining nut (4) from the pinon shaft. Refer to Figure 1. Do not reuse the nut.
17.
Remove the lower retaining snap ring (1). Refer to Figure 3.
Important
The bearing retainer being removed in the next step is a small piece of wire that keeps all the bail bearings evenly spaced inside the bearing
races.
