Grand Prix V6-3.8L SC VIN 1 (1997)
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.
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.
3.
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 vehicles.
4.
Support the rear of the engine frame (cradle) and remove the two rear attaching bolts.
5.
Remove the left and right side stabilizer bar links from the lower control arms.
6.
Reposition the stabilizer bar as necessary to improve access to the steering gear.
7.
Remove the two bolts that attach the steering gear to the engine cradle.
8.
Remove the bolt and separate the intermediate steering shaft from the steering gear.
9.
Lower the rear of the engine cradle as necessary to access the steering gear.
10.
Remove the steering gear from the engine cradle mounting brackets and reposition to access the adjuster plug lock nut and the adjuster plug. Do
not remove the plug.
11.
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.
12.
While holding the stub shaft (1), remove the retaining nut (4) from the pinion shaft, see Figure 1. Do not reuse the nut.
13.
Remove the lower retaining snap ring (1), Figure 3.
Important
Placement of a block of wood between the steering gear housing and the transmission case will help to support the steering gear in the next
step.
14.
Carefully insert the legs (1) of pinion bearing remover J-44714-1 (included in J-44714-A) between the balls in the lower pinion bearing, see Figure
4.
15.
Assemble the center bolt (2) into the forcing screw (1) of the tool, see Figure 5. Back the center bolt at least 25 mm (1 in) inside the forcing screw.
16.
Assemble the forcing screw (2) inside the puller legs (1), see Figure 6. Finger tighten the forcing screw to push the puller legs against the bearing.
17.
Using a 24 mm wrench to hold the forcing screw, use a 17 mm socket to tighten the center bolt until the bearing is removed from the gear housing,
see Figure 7. Do not reuse the bearing.
Important
Inspect the gear housing to ensure that no parts of the old bearing remain.
18.
Apply a small quantity of lubrication inside the housing bore where the new bearing will be installed.
19.
Center the new bearing over the pinion thread. The bearing can be installed with either side facing outwards.
20.
Place the bearing installer (1) J-44714-2 (included in J-44714-A) over the pinion thread, see Figure 8. If necessary, use the extension included with
the installer. Lightly tap with a hammer until the bearing is seated in the housing.
21.
Install a new snap ring, see Figure 9. When properly installed, the large lug (1) on the snap ring must be on the right side as shown.
