Steering Column
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STEERING COLUMNIf the vehicle is involved in a front end collision/the air bag has deployed the column must be inspected. This inspection will determine if the Column has collapsed. Inspect the column mounting capsules visually and manually push and pull them to check separation or movement.
1. Measure the distance from the edge of the upper mounting bracket to the edge on the lower mounting bracket. This measurement should be 175 - 179 mm (6.88 - 7.02 inch).
2. Measure the distance from the end of the shaft to the lower bracket. This measurement should be 48 - 50 mm (1.88 - 1.96 inch).
3. Inspect the column mounting capsules. Visually inspect the capsules and push and pull the capsules by hand to check for any movement
CAUTION: If the column jacket or shaft measurements are out of specification or capsules are loose or moved the column must be replaced.