General Motors Corporation
Models:Chevrolet Cavalier Years: 1996-1998
Chevrolet Venture Years: 1997-1998
Chevrolet Lumina Year: 1996
Pontiac Sunfire Years: 1996-1998
Pontiac Transport Years: 1996-1998
Pontiac Grand Prix Years: 1997-1998
Oldsmobile Silhouette Years: 1996-1998
Number Potentially Involved:1,159,156
Dates of Manufacture:January 1996 - October 1997
Defect:Certain passenger vehicles and minivans have lower pinion bearings in the power steering rack and pinion assembly in which the retainer tabs were not crimped properly. These and some other retainers could fail and permit the ball bearings to escape. If this occurs, the pinion shaft can be forced upward during left turns and back down as the steering wheel is moved back and to the right. If the pinion shaft moves further, the driver will need to exert more effort to turn the steering wheel, similar to a vehicle without power assisted steering. If the pinion shaft moves even further, the driver will require much higher effort to turn left and may not be able to turn the wheel as much as intended. With the maximum pinion shaft movement, which requires internal gear component damage, the driver can encounter high resistance to turning left, followed by unintended power assist to the right. In any of these conditions, a crash could occur.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new lower pinion bearing unless inspect of the existing bearing indicates that replacement of the gear assembly is necessary. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Jan. 17, 2003. Owners should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-8000-762-2737, or Oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.

[NHTSA Recall No. 02V286/GM Recall No. 02049]