Grand Prix V6-3.8L SC VIN 1 (1997)
Important
If the stub shaft is not held in the next step, damage to the pinion teeth will occur.
22.
While holding the stub shaft (1) install a new retaining nut (3) on the pinion shaft, see Figure 10. Tighten to 30 Nm (22 lb ft).
23.
Install a new dust cap (2) to the steering gear housing.
24.
With the rack centered in the housing, tighten the adjuster plug (2) to 10 Nm (88 lb in), then back off 40 to 50 degrees (4), Figure 11. Check the
torque on the pinion. Maximum pinion preload torque is 4 Nm (35 lb in).
25.
Tighten the adjuster plug lock nut (3) firmly against the steering gear housing while holding the adjuster plug (2) stationary.
26.
Install the steering gear in the engine cradle mounting brackets.
27.
Install the two bolts that attach the steering gear to the engine cradle. Tighten to 80 Nm (59 lb ft).
28.
Raise the rear of the engine cradle and install the rear attaching bolts. Tighten to 180 Nm (133 lb ft).
29.
Connect the intermediate steering shaft to the steering gear and install the bolt. Tighten the bolt to 48 Nm (35 lb ft).
30.
Reposition the stabilizer bar.
31.
Install the left and right side stabilizer bar links to the lower control arm. Tighten to 23 Nm (17 lb ft).
32.
Lower the vehicle.
33.
Check the power steering fluid and add if necessary.
34.
Install the GM Recall Identification Label.
Steering Gear Replacement, If Required
For additional information on steering gear removal, see the steering section in the appropriate service manual.
1.
Remove the bolt and separate the intermediate steering shaft from the steering gear.
2.
Support the rear of the engine frame (cradle) and remove the two rear attaching bolts.
3.
Remove the left and right side stabilizer bar links from the lower control arms.
4.
Reposition the stabilizer bar as necessary to improve access to the steering gear.
5.
Remove the two bolts that attach the steering gear to the engine cradle.
6.
Lower the rear of the engine cradle as necessary to access the steering gear.
7.
Loosen the outer tie rod end adjuster nuts.
8.
Remove both wheel and tire assemblies.
9.
Remove the nuts that attach the tie rod ends to the steering knuckles.
10.
Using J-24319-B (outer tie rod end puller) or equivalent, separate the tie rod ends from the knuckles.
11.
Disconnect the pressure and return lines from the steering gear.
12.
On GT and GTP models, disconnect the electrical connector from the steering gear.
13.
Remove the steering gear from the vehicle.
14.
Remove the tie rod ends from the old steering gear.
15.
Measure the position of the adjuster nuts on the old steering gear and adjust the new nuts on the new steering gear to the same measurement.
16.
Install the tie rod ends on the new steering gear and tighten the adjuster nuts to 68 Nm (50 lb ft).
