Dealer Service Information Bulletin 68-I-76 – Service of Variable Ratio Power Steering – 1968 Firebird
Bulletin 68-I-76 — Pontiac Motor Division Dealer Service Information Bulletin, Section 9, dated June 7, 1968. Attention: Service Manager.
Subject: Service of Variable Ratio Power Steering — 1968 Firebird.
Short answer: Variable Ratio Power Steering has been released on all 1968 Firebird models and reduces steering wheel travel by about 30%. When servicing the variable ratio gear, use the Firebird power steering adjustment specs on page 9-27 of the 1968 Service Manual; note that this gear has 24 recirculating balls (vs. 22 for the constant ratio) and a flanged pitman shaft needle bearing race that must be removed and installed from the pitman arm side only. An oil cooler pipe is required on models with numerically high axle ratios.
If it becomes necessary to service the variable ratio gear, use the adjustment specifications starting on page 9-27 of the 1968 Service Manual pertaining to the Firebird power steering gear.
The variable ratio gear has 24 rack-piston nut recirculating balls (compared to 22 for the constant ratio). Feed 17 balls into the rack-piston return guide hole nearest the Teflon piston ring, and fill one-half of the ball return guide with the remaining 7 balls.
The pitman shaft needle bearing race has a flanged projection at its outside diameter. Because of the flange, the bearing must be removed and installed from the pitman arm side of the housing only. Use tool J 6278-1 with adapter J 6278-3.
Caution: Damage will result when removing the bearing if an attempt is made to drive it in the direction shown for the constant ratio gear (Figure 9-57 of 1968 Service Manual).
An oil cooler pipe and associated parts are required on all models with numerically high axle ratios as indicated below:
| Engine | A/C | Axle Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| 6 Cyl. | with A/C | All |
| V-8 | with A/C | 2.93 and above |
| 6 Cyl. & V-8 | without A/C | 3.36 and above |
Flat Rate: Operation No. 095-110-02, Flat Rate Time: .4 hr.
*Also applies to Pontiac models with variable ratio gear.
Content last modified: June 13, 2026 at 10:06 am
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