Steering Column: Service Precautions

When servicing steering columns, care should be exercised since they are extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping 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 assembly sequence and they be tightened to specifications to ensure proper breakaway action of the column under impact. Avoid using excessively long bolts, as they may prevent a portion of the steering column from collapsing under impact. If a steering shaft shows any sheared plastic, or if the steering column has been collapsed, a complete new column must be installed. On some models, the attaching brackets will shear under impact and, therefore, must also be replaced.