Bonneville V6-231 3.8L VIN 3 SFI (1988)
FIGURE 4
External service parts (boots, inner and outer tie rods, cylinder lines, adjuster plug lock nut) will continue to be available as service parts (see list
included). See Figures 3 and 4.
The reason for discontinuing some internal service kits/parts is ease of repair and customer satisfaction. Analysis has shown that internal overhaul of
certain component parts may not be as reliable and may be more costly to the customer. It has become more cost effective to install a short gear assembly
than to perform internal repairs except in cases of reduced assist when cold, when installing the seal service kit for valve bore wear. Analysis also has
shown that leaks at the bulkhead seal, rack seal or piston seal when serviced are most often a temporary fix due to damage to other internal parts.
Therefore, the replacement of these parts is not recommended. As a result, the sales of these parts have decreased to the point where it is no longer viable
to maintain these parts for service, and the installation of a new or rebuilt "short" gear assembly is recommended.
SPECIAL POLICY BULLETIN - Temporary Reduction of Power Steering Assist When Cold
The special policy is only intended to address customer comments of reduced power steering assist when cold which are caused by valve bore wear on
vehicles equipped with aluminum-housing steering gears. The "split-ring" seal service kit (P/N 26010340) will continue to be available, and should be
the first procedure utilized to repair the reduced assist cold condition on aluminum-housing steering gears, whether or not the vehicle is covered by the
special policy. The "split-ring" kit has proven to be effective in cases of reduced assist cold, and should be used as the first avenue of repair on all
reduced assist cold cases involving aluminum-housing steering gears. If the "split-ring" kit does not correct the reduced assist cold condition, a "short"
gear may be necessary, but must have prior zone approval. THE SERVICE PARTS/KITS THAT ARE BEING DISCONTINUED SHOULD HAVE NO
EFFECT ON THE RATE OF GEAR REPLACEMENT OF VEHICLES COVERED UNDER THE SPECIAL POLICY.
NOTICE:
The "split-ring" kit is not intended for use on vehicles equipped with cast iron valve housing steering gears. On steering gears with
