Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Buick Regal and 2003 Buick Century. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
Vehicles involved in accidents that result in any of the following kinds of damage or situations, may also have a damaged or misaligned steering column:
- Frame damage
- Major body damage
- Sheet metal damage
- If the steering column has been impacted
- If the supplemental inflatable restraints system was deployed
- Inspect the capsules on the steering column bracket assembly. All capsules must be securely seated in the bracket slots and inspected for any loose conditions when pushed or pulled by hand.
- Observe how the bracket is attached to the jacket assembly.
- If the capsules are not securely seated and the bracket is bolted to the jacket assembly, replace only the bracket.
- If the capsules are not securely seated and the bracket is welded to the jacket assembly, replace only the jacket assembly.
- Inspect for jacket assembly collapse by measuring the distance from the lower edge of the upper jacket to a defined point on the lower jacket. Replace the jacket assembly if the measured dimensions are not within specifications.
- Visually inspect the steering shaft for sheared injected plastic. If the steering shaft shows sheared plastic, replace the steering shaft.
- Any frame damage that could cause a bent steering shaft must have the steering shaft runout checked. Using a dial indicator (1) at the lower end of the steering shaft, rotate the steering wheel. The runout must not exceed 1.60 mm (0.06 in).