Steering Column: Service Precautions

When servicing collapsible steering columns, care should be exercised since they are extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping of or leaning on column or striking sharp blows on end of steering shaft or shift levers could loosen or shear plastic fasteners which maintain column rigidity.

It is important that only the specified screws, bolts and nuts be used during the mandatory reassembly sequence and tightened to specifications to ensure proper breakaway action of column under impact. Avoid using excessively long bolts, as they may prevent a portion of the steering column from collapsing under impact.

If there is evidence of a sheared plastic shift tube injection, a new shift tube must be installed. If plastic injections are sheared but steering shaft is not bent, repairs may be possible using a Service Steering Shaft Repair Kit containing instructions and dimensions for all steering columns. On some models, the retaining brackets will shear under impact and must also be replaced.