The invention relates to a rack-and-pinion gear mechanism (1), for example for use in a steering mechanism of a motor vehicle, and to a method for the production of the rack-and-pinion gear mechanism (1). The mechanism comprises a housing (101), in which a pinion shaft (102) is mounted so as to be rotatable about an axis (103). The pinion shaft (102) is connected to a rack (110) which is mounted in the housing (101) in such a way as to be longitudinally displaceable. A counter-pressure device (102, 123) compensates for reaction forces between the pinion shaft (102) and the rack (110), having a thrust piece (102) and an adjusting/closing nut (25), between which a spring (123) is supported. The adjusting/closing nut (25) is composed of a material which has a softening/melting point such that the adjusting/closing nut (25) can be softened and/or melted locally while installed in the housing (101) without damaging the housing (101). Softened and/or melted and resolidified partial areas of the adjusting/closing nut (25) are in form-locking engagement with the housing (101).