Steering and Suspension: Service Precautions

Replacement of Steering Gear Due to Accident Damage


Notes :
- When repairing damage caused in accident:

SITUATION
Impacts due to accidents or similar driving conditions can cause damage to steering boxes or racks. It may be extremely difficult to diagnose internal damage to steering boxes or racks which otherwise appear undamaged externally.

A thorough internal check of steering gears is generally not economically feasible. However, damage to other related components can be taken into consideration when deciding whether a steering gear must be replaced.

PROCEDURE
The steering gear does NOT have to be replaced if:

There is no visible damage to front axle parts such as spring struts, hubs or spindles, control arms or wish bones, thrust or tension rods or stabilizers performing a locating function, steering drop arms or Pitman arms, track rods or drag links, tie rods, front axle subframe, steering column, and attachment points for suspension components to body.

-- There is no binding or increase in turning effort when operating the steering gear from lock to lock with engine off.

-- The impact has not caused the wheel alignment to become not adjustable within specified tolerances using normal adjustment procedures.

The steering gear MUST be replaced if:

-- There is visible damage to the steering gear, including blackening or discoloration of the housing from fire damage.

-- There is any permanent deformation or cracks on:

Steering gear mounts.

Front axle subframe.

Steering drop arms or Pitman arms

Spring struts.

Spindles or hubs.

Steering column.

Control arms or wishbones (except damage caused by improper towing or tie-downs);

Thrust or tension rods or stabilizers performing a locating function (except damage caused by improper towing or tie-downs);

Track rods or drag links and tie rods (except damage caused by improper towing or tie-downs)






DISCLAIMER
If a recommended replacement under the criteria described above is refused by the customer or insurance company, the repair order should be so noted and signed by the refusing party.



Additional Information
- In the interests of safety, straightness of spring-strut piston rod must be checked in case of a bent control arm or tie rod.