Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection
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
- Inspect the capsules on the steering column bracket assembly. All must be securely seated in the bracket slots and inspected for any loose conditions when pushed or pulled by hand. If the capsules are not securely seated, perform one of the following procedures:
- If the bracket is bolted to the jacket, replace the bracket
- If the bracket is welded to the jacket assembly, replace the jacket assembly
IMPORTANT: If measured dimensions are not within specifications, install a new jacket. - Inspect the jacket assembly for collapse by measuring the distance from the lower edge of the upper jacket to a defined point on the lower jacket.
- Remove the SIR coil. Refer to SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT SYSTEM in SIR.
- Visually inspect steering shaft for sheared injected plastic (1). If steering shaft shows sheared plastic, a new steering shaft must be installed.
- Inspect the steering shaft for runout following any frame damage that could cause a bent steering shaft. Using a dial indicator at the lower end of the steering shaft, rotate the steering wheel. Runout must not exceed 1.60 mm.