4815IN Assessment of steering column after accident damage

WM 4815IN Assessment of steering column after accident damage

Information

Overview of steering column

Fundamentals

Various kinds of damage can be caused to steering columns in the event of accidents or driving conditions similar to accidents. In cases where the steering column shows no external damage it can be difficult to detect damage. This damage represents an unacceptable risk for the vehicle, since it could lead to failure of the steering system.

To decide whether the steering column of a vehicle involved in an accident must be replaced or may continue to be used, the following guidelines are helpful.

Assessment of the steering column of a vehicle involved in an accident

The steering column may remain in the vehicle if all the following conditions are met:

No visible damage (breakage, cracks, deformation) to such front-axle parts as steering arms, steering gear, steering column mountings, steering wheel and airbag unit, wheel rims, wheel bearing housing (wheel carriers), tie rods, steering shaft or to the points on the body where wheel suspension parts are bolted on.

No impermissible rise in torque and no jamming or catching when the steering gear is turned from stop to stop. When the steering is turned, the front wheels must be free (front axle raised) and, in addition, the engine must be switched off (pump of power steering undriven).

The steering column does not catch/jam when turned separately without steering gear.

No axial play in the steering column.

The steering column must be replaced by a new or exchange unit if one of the following points applies:

Impact is felt by occupants.

Airbag has been triggered.

Visible or perceptible damage to the steering column.

Play in steering shaft line.

Fire damage.

Additionally, for vehicles with electrically adjustable steering columns, if the adjustment does not function perfectly (the axial and/or vertical adjustment time from stop to stop is too long, unusual noises are heard in this area).

The steering intermediate shaft and/or a universal joint is touching another component or has clearance of less than 5 mm with it.

The steering wheel is more than 10° out of line when the marking for steering centre position overlaps -> 44 Suspension alignment, complete section on "Adjust toe".

If permanent deformation, breakage, cracks or play have been detected in:

steering gear,

steering column mountings,

tie rods,

steering arms,

spring struts,

wheel carriers,

control arms,

front axle carrier (suspension subframe)

then the steering column must be checked according to the criteria listed above.