Service Manager
STEERING RACK REPLACEMENT 1989-93 MODELS and 1988 GRAND PRIX
Effective immediately TAC must first be contacted and a case number obtained prior to replacing a steering rack. The TAC Case must be attached to the original repair order with the TAC Case Number written on the front of the repair order.
STEERING RACK REPLACEMENT 1988 and PRIOR MODELS (EXCLUDING 1988 GRAND PRIX)
Effective with Credit Cycle #246, dated November 13, 1992 PRIOR ZONE AUTHORIZATION is required for labor operations:
E9720 - Gear Assembly and E9730 - Gear Assembly Short.
88-SM-10 - SPECIAL POLICY - TEMPORARY REDUCTION OF POWER STEERING ASSIST WHEN COLD 1985-88 6000, Sunbird, Grand Am and 1987-88 Bonneville
Per bulletin, it is very unlikely that a Seal Service Kit will not correct this condition. In actual studies at Pontiac dealerships, installing a Seal Service Kit repaired 98% of steering racks.
If there is a question on the proper repair procedures refer to the following videos:
"The Operation And Diagnosis Of Steering Systems" and "Service Procedure For Installing Special Valve Body Rings On Rack And Pinion Assemblies"
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.