Disassembly Procedure

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Fig 1: Removing Pitman Arm From Steering Gear

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the steering gear pitman shaft and housing cover. Refer to STEERING GEAR PITMAN SHAFT AND HOUSING COVER REPLACEMENT - OFF VEHICLE (670 GEAR) or STEERING GEAR PITMAN SHAFT AND HOUSING COVER REPLACEMENT - OFF VEHICLE (700 GEAR) .
Remove the pitman arm (4) from the steering gear.
Remove the pitman shaft boot (3) from the steering gear housing (1).
Important: Do not score the housing bore when prying out seals and washers.
Remove the pitman shaft dust seal (2) from the steering gear housing (1).
Remove the pitman shaft retaining ring (2) from the steering gear housing (1) using J 4245 .

Fig 2: Removing Pitman Shaft Retaining Ring
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the backup washer (3) from the steering gear housing (1).
Pry the pitman shaft seal (2) from the steering gear housing (1) using a screwdriver.
Inspect the housing for burrs and replace if necessary.

Fig 3: Removing Pitman Shaft 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) from the steering gear housing (1).

Fig 4: Removing Needle Bearing From Steering Gear Housing
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.