Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection - Off Vehicle

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 GMC Safari and 2002 Chevrolet Astro. 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.

Fig 1: Steering Column Bracket Assembly Capsules
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Important: If measured dimensions are not within specifications, a new jacket must be installed.

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.

Fig 2: Checking For Jacket Assembly Collapse
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil - Disassemble - Off Vehicle .
Visually inspect steering shaft for sheared injected plastic (1). If steering shaft shows sheared plastic, a new steering shaft must be installed.

Fig 3: Inspecting Steering Shaft For Sheared Injected Plastic

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

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.