Checking the Steering Column For Accident Damage

Fig. 70 Steering Column Damage Check:

NOTE: Vehicles Involved In accidents resulting in frame damage, major body or sheet metal damage, or where the steering column has been impacted, or where supplemental inflatable restraints systems deployed may also have a damaged or misaligned steering column.


PROCEDURE


Jacket Assembly, Steering Column

^ Check capsules on steering column bracket assembly; all must be securely seated in bracket slots and checked for any loose conditions when pushed or pulled by hand (view A). if not, bracket should be replaced if bolted to jacket assembly. if bracket is welded to jacket, replace jacket assembly.

^ Check for jacket assembly collapse by measuring the distance from the lower edge of upper jacket to a defined point on the lower jacket (View 0). if measured dimensions are not within specifications, a new jacket must be installed.


Shift Tube Assembly

^ Visually inspect shift tube for sheared injected plastic (view B). If shift tube shows sheared plastic, a new shift tube must be installed.

^ Check operation of shift lever, if you can move lever to "Park" position without raising lever, it is an indication that upper shift tube plastic bearing is broken.


NOTE: Inflatable restraint coil assembly must be removed from steering column and allowed to hang freely before shaft is rotated. Failure to do so could damage coil assembly.


Steering Shaft Assembly

^ Visually inspect steering shaft for sheared injected plastic (view C). If steering shaft shows sheared plastic, a new steering shaft must be installed.

^ Any frame damage that could cause a bent steering shaft must have steering shaft runout checked in the following manner: Using a dial indicator at lower end of steering shaft, have steering wheel rotated. Runout must not exceed 1.59 mm.