Steering Column

Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection

1. Notice: Once the steering column is removed from the vehicle, the column is extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping the column assembly on the end could collapse the steering shaft or loosen the plastic injections, which maintain column rigidity. Leaning on the column assembly could cause the jacket to bend or deform. Any of the above damage could impair the columns collapsible design. Do NOT hammer on the end of the shaft, because hammering could loosen the plastic injections, which maintain column rigidity. If you need to remove the steering wheel, refer to the Steering Wheel Replacement procedure.

Install a scan tool.
2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.

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

Center the steering wheel.
4. With the scan tool, observe the Steering Shaft Torque data parameter in the Power Steering System data displays list. Valid range is - 1 Nm to 1 Nm (- 0.7 ft. lbs. to 0.7 ft. lbs.). Does the scan tool indicate that the steering shaft torque data parameter is greater than the specified value listed above Replace the steering column assembly.

5. Important: In the event of a deployment, inspect the coil wire for any of the following signs of damage due to excessive heat:
Do NOT bend the energy absorbing straps on the upper mounting bracket.
^ Scorching
^ Melting
^ Other damage

Replace the coil, if necessary.

6. 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.

Visually inspect steering shaft for sheared injected plastic. If steering shaft shows sheared plastic, a new steering column must be installed.

7. 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.

If you need to replace the steering column, refer to Steering Column Replacement (Electronic) Steering Column Replacement (Hydraulic).