Collapse Measurement

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Saturn Vue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

A vehicle involved in an accident resulting in sheet metal damage or driver-side air bag deployment will require an inspection for steering column collapse. If the steering column collapse measurement is greater than 3 mm than the steering column must be replaced.

For steering column collapse measurement, use the following procedure:

Remove the steering column lower and upper trim covers. Refer to Steering Column Lower Trim Cover Replacement and Steering Column Upper Trim Cover Replacement .

Fig 1: Identifying Steering Column Collapse Measurement Point

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Inspect the upper steering column mounting capsule nuts for movement (a). If the steering column collapse measurement is greater than 3 mm than the steering column must be replaced. Refer to Steering Column Replacement .
Install the steering column lower and upper trim covers. Refer to Steering Column Lower Trim Cover Replacement and Steering Column Upper Trim Cover Replacement .