Grand Prix V6-191 3.1L VIN M SFI (1998)
17.
Install the new steering gear in the engine cradle mounting brackets.
18.
On GT and GTP models, connect the electrical connector for the steering gear.
19.
Install the two bolts that attach the steering gear to the engine cradle. Tighten to 80 Nm (59 lb ft).
20.
Connect the pressure and return lines to the steering gear. Tighten to 27 Nm (20 lb ft).
21.
Install the tie rod ends to the steering knuckles. Install the retaining nuts and tighten to 30 Nm (22 lb ft), plus 120 degrees (or 2 flats of the nut).
22.
Raise the rear of the engine cradle and install the two rear attaching bolts. Tighten to 180 Nm (133 lb ft).
23.
Install the intermediate steering shaft to the steering gear and install the bolt. Tighten to 48 Nm (35 lb ft).
24.
Reposition the stabilizer bar.
25.
Install the left and right side stabilizer bar links to the lower control arms. Tighten to 23 Nm (17 lb ft).
26.
Install both wheel and tire assemblies. Tighten the lug nuts to 140 Nm (103 lb ft).
27.
Lower the vehicle.
28.
Add power steering fluid and bleed the system.
29.
Check the alignment and set toe-in as necessary.
30.
Install the GM Recall Identification Label Important
For U.S. and Canada: All replaced steering gears are to be held until a return request is received from the GM Warranty Parts Center (WPC). For
additional information, refer to service bulletin # 99-00-89-19B, issued February 2002. DO NOT RETURN REPLACED STEERING GEARS TO
GMSPO.
Lower Pinion Bearing Inspection
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.
Important
Tool J-44714-A is required to perform this service procedure.
1.
Open the hood.
2.
Raise the vehicle on a suitable hoist and support.
3.
Remove the two bolts attaching the steering gear to the engine frame (cradle).
4.
Release the brake pipe from the retainers at three locations on the engine cradle.
5.
Remove the steering gear from the engine cradle mounting brackets and reposition to access the lower pinion shaft dust cap.
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.
6.
Remove the dust cap (3) from the steering gear housing (2) and inspect for loose ball bearings, see 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 recall bulletin titled "Steering Gear Replacement"
for the described vehicle.
7.
Loosen the adjuster plug lock nut (3) and the adjuster plug (2), see Figure 2. Do not remove the plug.
Important
If the stub shaft is not held in the next step, damage to the pinion teeth will occur.
