Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection - Off Vehicle - Tilt Column

Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection - Off Vehicle (Manual)





Notice: Vehicles involved in accidents that result in any of the following kinds of damage or situations, may also have a damaged or misaligned steering column:
- Frame damage
- Major body damage
- Sheet metal damage
- If the steering column has been impacted
- If the supplemental inflatable restraints system was deployed
- Check the capsules on the steering column bracket assembly; all capsules must be securely seated in the bracket slots and checked for any loose conditions when pushed or pulled by hand. If not, the bracket should be replaced if bolted to the jacket assembly. If the bracket is welded to the jacket assembly replace the jacket assembly.





- Check for jacket assembly collapse by measuring the distance from the lower edge of the upper jacket to a defined point on the lower jacket. Replace the jacket assembly if the measured dimensions are not within specifications.





- Visually inspect steering shaft for sheared injected plastic (1). If steering shaft shows sheared plastic, replace the steering shaft.
- Any frame damage that could cause a bent steering shaft must have the steering shaft runout checked. Using a dial indicator at the lower end of the steering shaft, rotate the steering wheel. The runout must not exceed 1.59 mm (0.0625 inch).