Assembly Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 GMC Sierra, 2002 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra, 2002 Chevrolet Silverado, and 2002 Chevrolet Cab & Chassis Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Install the needle bearing into the steering gear housing (1) using J 6278
Drive the bearing into the housing until the needle bearing shoulder seats against the housing.

Fig 1: Installing Needle Bearing
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Coat the pitman shaft seal (2) and backup washer (3) with grease.
Install the pitman shaft seal (2) onto the steering gear housing (1) using J 6219 .
Install the backup washer (3) onto the steering gear housing (1).

Fig 2: Installing Backup Washer Onto Steering Gear Housing
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Important: The pitman shaft seal must not contact the bearing.
Install the pitman shaft retainer ring (2) onto the steering gearing housing (1) using J 4245 .

Fig 3: Pitman Shaft Retainer Ring
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Coat the dust seal (2) with grease.
Install the dust seal (2) onto the steering gear housing (1).
Install the pitman shaft boot (3) onto the steering gear housing (1).
Important: Do not install the lock washer and nut until all components have been installed onto the steering gear housing.
Install the pitman shaft and the side cover.
Install the pitman arm (4) to the steering gear.
Install the lock washer (2).
Install the nut (3).
To adjust the pitman shaft, refer to Pitman Shaft Over-Center Preload Adjustment - Off Vehicle (700 Gear) .