Disassembly Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 GMC Safari and 2002 Chevrolet Astro. 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 & Housing Cover Replacement - Off Vehicle (700 Gear) .
Remove the pitman arm (3) from the steering gear (1).
Remove the pitman shaft boot (2).

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

Fig 2: Identifying Retaining Ring
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).

Fig 3: Prying Backup Washer & Double Lip Seal From Steering Gear Housing

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Inspect the steering gear housing (1) for burrs.
Insert J 6278 through the hole in the top of the steering gear housing (1).

Fig 4: Driving Out Needle Bearing

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Drive out the needle bearing (2).