Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection - Off Vehicle
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Buick Regal and 2002 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
- 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.
- 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.
- Visually inspect steering shaft for sheared injected plastic. If steering shaft shows sheared plastic (1), a new steering shaft must be installed.
- 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 (0.06 in).