Lumina V6-3.8L VIN K (1998)
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.
^
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 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.
