Disassembly Procedure

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 2002 GMC Yukon XL, 2002 GMC Yukon, 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe, 2002 Chevrolet Suburban, and 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the pitman shaft and the side cover. Refer to Steering Gear Pitman Shaft and Housing Cover Replacement - Off Vehicle (700 Gear) or Steering Gear Pitman Shaft and Housing Cover Replacement - Off Vehicle (670 Gear) .
Remove the pitman arm (3) from the steering gear (1).
Remove the pitman shaft boot (2).

Fig 1: Removing Pitman Arm & Shaft Boot
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the dust seal (1).
Remove the retaining ring using the J 4245 .

Fig 2: Removing Dust Seal
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Important: Use care not to score the steering gear housing bore when prying out the seals and the washers.
Use a screwdriver to pry the backup washer (3) and the double lip seal (2) from the steering gear housing (1).
Inspect the steering gear housing (1) for burrs.

Fig 3: Removing Backup Washer & Double Lip Seal
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Insert J 6278 through the hole in the top of the steering gear housing (1).
Drive out the needle bearing (2).

Fig 4: Driving Out Needle Bearing
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.