POWER RACK & PINION GEAR SERVICE INFORMATION

MODELS AFFECTED: 1982-1988 CIMARRONS 1985-1989 DE VILLES/FLEETWOODS 1986-1989 ELDORADOS/SEVILLES 1987-1989 ALLANTES

Service Parts Availability Information:

When servicing a power rack and pinion steering gear, internal repairs will be limited to the seal/bearing kits listed below:

Available Internal Service Kits

P/N Description --- ----------- 26010340 Seal Service Kit (Split Ring) for use on 1982-1988 Models (per Special Policy Bulletin 88-P-1) with Aluminum Housings only.

26012606 Bearing Assembly Service Kit with Seals for use on 1982-1988 Cimarrons, 1985-1989 DeVilles/Fleetwoods, 1986-1989 Eldorados/Sevilles, and 1987-1989 Allantes.

External service parts (boots, inner and outer tie rods, cylinder lines, adjuster plug lock nut) will continue to be available as service parts.

The reason for discontinuing some internal service kits/parts is to increase ease of repair and customer satisfaction. Analysis has shown that internal overhaul of certain component parts may be unreliable and more costly to the customer.

Analysis also has shown that leaks at the bulkhead seal, rack seal, or piston seal when serviced, are most often a temporary fix due to damage to other internal parts. Therefore, the replacement of these parts is not recommended. As a result, the sale of these parts has decreased to the point where it is no longer viable to maintain them for service, and the installation of a new "short" gear assembly is recommended.

If you have questions on these issues, contact your zone service representative for clarification.

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.