Inspection Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Pontiac Montana, 2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette, and 2002 Chevrolet Venture. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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.
Check the capsules on the steering column bracket assembly: all must be securely seated in the bracket slots and checked for any loose conditions when pushed or pulled by hand. If not, the bracket should be replaced if bolted to the jacket assembly. If the bracket is welded to the jacket assembly replace the jacket assembly.

Fig 1: Capsules On Steering Column Bracket Assembly
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Check for jacket assembly collapse by measuring the distance from the lower edge of the upper jacket to a defined point on the lower jacket. If measured dimensions are not within specifications, a new jacket must be installed.

Fig 2: Measuring Distance From Lower Edge Of Upper Jacket To Defined Point On Lower Jacket
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Visually inspect steering shaft for sheared injected plastic. If steering shaft shows sheared plastic (1), a new steering shaft must be installed.

Fig 3: Locating Steering Shaft Sheared Plastic
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Any frame damage that could cause a bent steering shaft must have the steering shaft runout checked in the following manner. Using a dial indicator at the lower end of the steering shaft, have the steering wheel rotated. Runout must not exceed 1.60 mm.