Steering Column: Testing and Inspection

Steering Column Inspection

Inspection

1. Remove the steering column.

2. Check these items:

- Check the steering column ball bearing (A) and the steering joints (B) for play and proper movement. If any bearing is noisy or has excessive play, replace the steering column as an assembly.
- Check the lower slide shaft (C) for smooth movement in and out. If the lower slide shaft is removed, slip it into the upper shaft by aligning the paint or stamped marks (D). If it sticks or binds, replace the steering column as an assembly.
- Check the tilt mechanism and telescopic mechanism for movement and damage.
- Check the absorbing plates (E) and sliding capsules (F) for distortion or breakage. If there is distortion or breakage, replace the steering column as an assembly.





3. Install the steering column.

Check of Tilting Force

1. Set the steering wheel in the straight ahead driving position, and loosen the lock lever fully.

2. Attach a commercially available spring scale (A) to the highest point of the steering wheel, and tilt the steering column to the lowest position.






3. Pull the spring scale straight up, and read the force required to move the steering column.

4. Attach the spring scale to the lowest point of the steering wheel.

5. Pull the spring scale straight down, and read the force required to move the steering column.






6. If the measurement is higher than specified, or if the tilt function feels rough, do this.

1. Loosen the attaching bolts and nuts so they are finger-tight.

2. Release the lock lever, and tilt and telescope the steering column several times.

3. Tilt the column down, then tighten the lock lever.

4. Tighten the attaching nuts, then tighten the attaching bolts.

7. Test the tilting force again. If the force is still higher than the specification, replace the steering column as an assembly Steering Column Removal/Installation.

Check of Telescoping Force

1. Set the steering wheel in the straight ahead driving position, and loosen the lock lever fully, and push in the steering wheel to the fully telescoped in position.

2. Attach a commercially available spring scale (A) to the center point of the steering wheel as shown.





3. Pull the spring scale, and read the force required to move the steering column during telescoping out.





4. If the measurement is higher than specified, replace the steering column as an assembly Steering Column Removal/Installation.

Check of Lock Lever Force

1. Move the lock lever (A) from the loosened position to the locked position three to five times, then release the lock lever. Adjust the steering column to the center tilt position and also to the full telescopic out position, and hold the steering wheel.





2. Using a commercially available push-pull gauge, push up the lock lever 10 mm(0.39 in) in from its end, and measure the force required to move the lock lever.





3. If the measurement is higher than specified, replace the steering column as an assembly Steering Column Removal/Installation.