Steering Column Inspection - After Collision
NUMBER: 01-136-93DATE: 10-22-93
APPLICABILITY
NON-SRS AIR BAG EQUIPPED LEGACY VEHICLES
SUBJECT:
RECOMMENDED INSPECTION OF THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN A COLLISION
The following information is intended to be a guide for inspection and servicing of non-SRS air bag: equipped steering column for vehicles involved in collisions. Whether steering column replacement is necessary will be determined by a proper inspection and assessment of the severity and type of damage incurred at the time of the collision. In all cases, if the steering column is found to be damaged, the component should be replaced using only new genuine Subaru parts. Under no circumstances should a collapsed steering column be repaired.
Steering Column Assembly
Remove the steering column assembly for inspection. Closely examine the coating plates as shown in Figure 1. The coating plates should be slightly recessed into the bracket as shown in Figure 1.
Should one or both coating plates be extended past the edge of the bracket, as represented by the dotted lines in Figure 2, the steering column is collapsed and must be replaced. As a measure of added safety the entire column, as well as universal joints, should be checked for looseness and replaced as necessary.