Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection (with EPS)

Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection (with EPS)

Inspection

This vehicle is equipped with electric power steering (EPS), with the electric motor and torque sensor mounted on the steering column. When involved in an accident resulting in sheet metal damage or driver-side air bag deployment, the steering column must be inspected for both electrical system integrity and steering column collapse. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) .

* If the steering column electrical system integrity is not within specifications, the complete steering column must be replaced. Refer to Steering Column Replacement (Steering Column Replacement) .
* If the steering column collapse mechanism is not within specifications, but the electrical system integrity is within specifications, then the steering column upper jacket must be replaced. Refer to Steering Column Jacket Replacement (with EPS) (Steering Column Jacket Replacement (with EPS)) .


Road test the vehicle when ever any steering system repairs or diagnostics have been performed.


Electric Power Steering (EPS) Inspection

1. Install a scan tool.
2. Start the engine.

Important: After centering the steering wheel, remove hands and other objects from the steering wheel. Ensure the suspension is relaxed and that no bias, or uneven force is being applied to the steering system.


3. Turn the steering wheel 90 degrees to the left, then 90 degrees to the right, then return the steering wheel to center.
4. Using the scan tool, observe the Torque Sensor Main data parameter in the EPS data list. Correct parameter range for the torque sensor is <+ or - 1 N.m (0.7 lb ft).
5. If the value is greater than the specified range then replace the steering column assembly. Refer to Steering Column Replacement (Steering Column Replacement) .



Collapse Measurement

A vehicle involved in an accident resulting in sheet metal damage or drivers-side air bag deployment will require an inspection for steering column collapse. If the steering column collapse measurement is greater than 3 mm than the steering column upper jacket must be replaced.


For steering column collapse measurement, use the following procedure:

1. Remove the steering column lower and upper trim covers. Refer to Steering Column Lower Trim Cover Replacement (Steering Column Lower Trim Cover Replacement) and Steering Column Upper Trim Cover Replacement (Steering Column Upper Trim Cover Replacement) .




2. Inspect the upper steering column mounting capsule nuts for movement (a). If the steering column collapse measurement is greater than 3 mm than the steering column upper jacket must be replaced. Refer to Steering Column Jacket Replacement (with EPS) (Steering Column Jacket Replacement (with EPS)) .
3. Install the steering column lower and upper trim covers. Refer to Steering Column Lower Trim Cover Replacement (Steering Column Lower Trim Cover Replacement) and Steering Column Upper Trim Cover Replacement (Steering Column Upper Trim Cover Replacement) .