Lumina V6-3.8L VIN K (1998)
11.
Remove the stabilizer link bolts from both lower control arms.
12.
Lower the rear of the engine cradle as necessary to access the steering gear attaching bolts.
13.
Remove the two bolts attaching the steering gear to the engine cradle.
14.
Loosen and disconnect both power steering fluid lines from the steering gear.
15.
Remove the steering gear from the engine cradle mounting brackets.
16.
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.
17.
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.
Notice
Failure to perform the next step may result in damage to the lower pinion bearing removal tool J 44714-1.
18.
Loosen the adjuster plug lock 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.
19.
While holding the stub shaft (1), remove the retaining nut (4) from the pinion shaft. Refer to Figure 1. Do not reuse the nut.
20.
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 of the bearings evenly spaced inside the bearing
races.
21.
Using a small "pick" like tool, remove the bearing retainer from the bearing. Refer to Figure 4.
22.
After removing the bearing retainer, reposition the ball bearings into two groups of four. Refer to Figure 5.
23.
Separate the 2-legged puller from the center nut on the J 44714-B and insert the puller legs into the openings between the two groups of ball
bearings.
24.
With the forcing screw backed off, screw the center nut into the puller.
Tighten
Tighten the nut until it bottoms against the puller. Refer to Figure 6.
25.
While holding the center nut with a wrench, tighten the forcing screw to remove the bearing from the housing. Refer to Figure 7.
Important
Inspect the gear housing to ensure that all pieces of the old bearing have been removed.
26.
Apply a small quantity of lubrication (e.g., multi-purpose grease or power steering fluid) inside of the housing bore where the new bearing will be
installed.
27.
Center the new bearing over the pinion thread. The bearing can be installed with either side facing outwards.
28.
Place the bearing installer (1), J 44714-2 (included in J 44714-B) over the pinion thread. Refer to Figure 8. Lightly tap the bearing installer with a
hammer until the bearing is seated in the housing.
