Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview

CAUTION: Vehicles involved in accidents resulting in frame damage, major body or sheet metal damage where the steering column has been impacted or the SIR deployed may also have a damaged or misaligned steering column. In such cases, the following steps should be performed.

NOTE: The steering shaft and column are not serviced separately. If either the shaft or column is found to be defective, replace the unit as an assembly.

INSPECT





^ Capsules on steering column bracket; each capsule should be attached securely to the steering column. If capsules are loose, the steering column assembly should be replaced.

MEASURE
^ Tools Required:
- J 8001 Dial Indicator
- J 26900- 13 Magnetic Base
- Or Equivalents





1. Steering shaft length. If the length is shorter than specification, replace the column assembly.
^ Steering column length:
- Measurement A - 750.6 mm + 0.8 mm (29.55 + 0.03 inch).





2. Lower steering shaft length. If the length is shorter than specification, replace the lower steering shaft.
^ Lower steering shaft length:
- With power steering - 262 mm (10.30 inch).
- With manual steering - 303 mm (11.90 inch).





3. Lower steering shaft runout using J 8001 and J 26900-13. To ensure accuracy, clean area of the lower shaft where measurement will be taken. If runout exceeds specified limits, replace it with a new one.
^ Lower steering shaft maximum allowable runout - 2 mm (0.079 inch).

INSPECT
1. Steering shaft joints and shaft for any damage such as cracks, breaks, malfunctions or excessive play. If anything is found faulty, replace as shaft assembly.
2. Steering shaft for smooth rotation. If found defective, replace as column assembly.