Steering Column

Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection - Off Vehicle

Inspection Procedure





Notice: 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 restraint systems deployed may also have a damaged or misaligned steering column.

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

- Inspect the steering column (4) and the upper steering shaft for the following conditions. Replace the steering column if necessary. Refer to Steering Column Replacement
- Damage
- Cracks
- Deformation
- Excessive play
- Excessive rotational resistance
- Measure the length of the steering column assembly (1).





Measurement
The length of the steering column assembly should be 894.2 - 895.8 mm (35.21 - 35.27 inch).
Replace a column assembly that is shorter than the specified length. Refer to Steering Column Replacement.





- Verify that 2 capsules (1) are securely attached to the steering column bracket (2). Verify that no clearance exists between these capsules and the steering column bracket. If the capsules are loose or if clearance exists, replace the steering column. Refer to Steering Column Replacement
- Inspect 2 plates (3) for any damage. If the plates are damaged, replace the steering column. Refer to Steering Column Replacement





- Inspect the steering shaft coupling (1) for the following conditions. Replace the steering shaft coupling if necessary. Refer to Steering Shaft Coupling Replacement.
- Damage
- Cracks
- Looseness
- Inspect the lower steering shaft (2) for the following conditions. Replace the lower steering shaft if necessary. Refer to Lower Steering Shaft Assembly Replacement.
- Damage
- Cracks
- Malfunction
- Excessive play
- Excessive rotational resistance





- Inspect the steering column lower seal (1) for breakage or for deformation. In order to replace a defective seal, refer to Steering Column Replacement.