Grand Prix V6-3.8L SC VIN 1 (1997)
8.
Support the rear of the engine frame (cradle) and remove the two rear attaching bolts.
9.
Lower the rear of the engine cradle as necessary to access the steering gear.
10.
Remove the bolts attaching the heat shield to the steering gear and remove the shield.
11.
Disconnect the pressure and return lines from the steering gear.
12.
Remove the two bolts that attach the steering gear to the engine cradle
13.
Separate the intermediate steering shaft cover (boot) from the steering gear.
14.
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.
15.
On a suitable work surface, remove the dust cap (3) from the steering gear housing (2) and inspect for loose ball bearings, see Figure 1.
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If no ball bearings were found in the dust cap, proceed to the next step and replace the lower pinion bearing.
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If one or more ball bearings were found loose in the dust cap, proceed to step 31 and replace the complete steering gear assembly.
16.
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.
17.
While holding the stub shaft (1), remove the retaining nut (4) from the pinion shaft, see Figure 1. Do not reuse the nut.
