Safety Regulations for Steering Systems: General

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2017 Chevrolet Spark. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Operations on the steering system must be performed by certified, qualified personnel only. This is assured at all GM certified dealerships.
Before performing operations involving a risk of an electrical short circuit, the battery negative cable must be disconnected.
- On certain vehicles equipped with electronic stability program (ESP) it is necessary to calibrate the steering angle sensor after disconnection of the battery negative cable. Refer to the corresponding service instruction.
Microencapsulated bolts must not be re-used and have to be DISCARDED after removal. Clean the thread of the bore and replace the bolt by a new one. Service may offer new bolts, which are not microencapsulated. In this case, apply a GM approved thread lock agent to the new bolt.
Torque-to-yield fasteners must not be re-used and have to be DISCARDED after removal. Always replace torque-to-yield fasteners with new fasteners.
Self-locking nuts must not be re-used and have to be DISCARD after removal. Always replace self-locking nuts with new ones.
Never heat-treat steering components; potential alterations of the material properties can otherwise adversely affect the operational safety of the vehicle.
When working on the steering (steering gear, tie rods, steering column etc.) the steering must be locked in the straight-ahead position during removal and installation.
When removing the steering wheel, lock the steering column in the straight-ahead position to avoid destroying the contact unit during the subsequent reinstallation of the contact unit and steering wheel.
If the driver's airbag has been deployed, the steering wheel, steering column and steering column attachment must be subjected to a functional test and inspection and replaced if damaged.
Only use GM approved steering gear fluids and oils - never re-use drained fluid.

After an accident, the following components should be visually checked for bending, cracks or damages, independently of the wheel alignment check, which should always be performed:
- The chassis and all related components, such as spring, strut, steering knuckle, lower control arm, drivetrain / front suspension frame, stabilizers, stabilizer links and there fastening parts.
- Steering gear and steering linkage. In addition, check for correct operation through the entire steering range of motion.