Diagnosis And Testing - Steering Column

The steering column bracket rear mounts that the studs or bolts go through on both sides of the steering column have a plastic/metal capsule designed to fracture or move when enough force to damage the steering column has occurred. There are 2 steering column mounting capsules, one on each side of the column. A collapse may occur where the tube housing may move into the rear bracket assembly OR the tube may move inside the tube housing. Typically if this type of collapse happens, the capsules should have indicated damage. However, if the any of the following steps indicate a collapse, the steering column will still need replacement.

Fig 1: Retaining Screws And Steering Column Opening Cover Reinforcement

Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

1. Grasp the steering wheel at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions, and again at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions and attempt to rock the steering wheel back and forth and up and down. If there is excessive movement or an audible clunking or grinding sound, replace the steering column. Refer to Column , Removal .
2. Remove the steering column opening cover. Refer to COVER, Steering Column Opening , Removal .
3. If equipped, remove the retaining screws (1) and the steering column opening cover reinforcement (2).
   Fig 2: Inspecting For Fractures In Plastic Area & Movement In Metal Area

   Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
4. Visually inspect for fractures in the plastic area (1) and movement in the metal area (2) of the two capsules while pushing and pulling the steering wheel up and down, and left and right.
5. If capsules are fractured or have moved, replace the steering column. Refer to Column , Removal .
   Fig 3: Steering Column Retaining Bolts Or Nuts

   Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
6. Loosen the steering column retaining bolts (or nuts) (2, 5) several turns but do not remove. Remove only one  of the rear retaining bolts (or nuts) (2). Verify that the capsule has movement, but it should not slide out of the bracket assembly. If the capsule does  come out of the bracket assembly, replace the steering column. Refer to Column , Removal .
7. Install the previously removed bolt (or nut) (2) several turns, and remove the opposite one (2) and check that capsule in the same way. If the capsule does  come out of the bracket assembly, replace the steering column. Refer to Column , Removal .
8. Install the steering column retaining bolts (or nuts) (2, 5) and tighten to 27 N.m (20 ft. lbs.).
   Fig 4: Measuring Distance From Brake Switch Mounting Bracket To The Flat Of Rear Mounting Bracket

   Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
9. Measure the distance from the brake switch mounting bracket (4) to the flat of the rear mounting bracket (3). If less than 144 mm (5.6875 in. or 5 -11/16 in.), replace the steering column. Refer to Column , Removal .
10. If the steering column passes all tests and measurements above, the steering column is not collapsed and should not need to be replaced.