STEERING WHEEL WANDER/DRIFT NEW PARTS/PROCEDURE RELEASED

Subject: SLIGHT STEERING WHEEL OSCILLATION OR POOR ON-CENTER FEEL (NEW SERVICE PART)

Models Affected: 1991 BONNEVILLE MODELS

CONDITION:

---------- Oscillation - on some 1991 Bonneville models, the steering wheel may slightly oscillate back and forth, with the vehicle under load, on a straight level road or up a slight grade.

Poor On-Center Feel - The vehicle may feel like it wants to wander or drift slightly without a solid feel in the middle of the steering travel.

OSCILLATION CORRECTION:

A new steering damper, part number 26031285, has been released for service. Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE:

Disassembly

Refer to Section 3F4 of the service manual to view the lower steering column components.

1. Disable the SIR system as shown in Section 3F4 of the service manual. 2. Loosen the intermediate shaft joint bolt and pull the intermediate shaft off the end of the column.

Note: It may be necessary to spread the intermediate shaft joint for ease of removal.

3. Remove the bearing and seal retainer. Remove and discard the lower spring retainer, lower spring and lower bearing seat. 4. Separate the retainer washer assembly from the bearing, seal retainer and discard the retainer washer assembly only. (See Figure 1)

Note: Inspect the bearing and seal retainer and replace if damaged.

Reassembly Procedure

1. Install the new lower bearing seat, the new lower spring (new spring is shorter than the old one) and the new lower spring retainer. (See Figure 1) 2. Compress the lower spring to a length of 16mm (5/8 in.) and secure at that length with the lower spring retainer. 3. Place 7 or 8 drops of super glue such as Loctite #380 or equivalent around the perimeter of the bearing and seal retainer. Install the new retainer washer in the old bearing, seal retainer and snap into position. 4. Install the bearing and seal assembly with the protector in place onto the end of the steering column shaft. 5. Snap the bearing and seal retainer onto the column jacket. Remove the washer assembly protector from the shaft and discard. 6. Reinstall the intermediate shaft and boot as per Section 3F4 of the service manual.

Poor On-Center Feel Correction

1. Refer to Section 3B of the Service Manual to remove the rack bearing adjuster spring. 2. Replace the spring with GMSPO Part No. 26030764. Parts are currently available from GMSPO. 3. ADJUSTMENT - Make adjustment with the front wheels raised and steering wheel centered. Be sure to check returnability of the steering wheel to center after adjustment. (See Figure 2) 4. Turn the adjuster plug until it bottoms in the housing. 5. Back the plug off 50 to 70 degrees (approximately one flat). 6. Tighten the lock nut to the adjuster plug 70 N.m (50 lb.ft.) while holding the adjuster plug stationary.

WARRANTY INFORMATION:

Oscillation Damper Installation Labor Operation: T5236

Labor Time: .8 hr. Bonneville

Rack Bearing Adjuster Spring Installation Labor Operation: T5237

Labor Time: .4 hr.

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.