Check of Telescoping Force

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Honda Fit, 2012 Honda Fit, 2011 Honda Fit, 2010 Honda Fit, and 2009 Honda Fit. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Set the steering wheel in the straight ahead driving position, and loosen the lock lever fully.
Attach a spring scale to the center point of the steering wheel.

Fig 1: Pulling Spring Scale
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Pull the spring scale, and read the force required to move the steering column during telescoping.
Telescoping force:

Standard: 140 N (14.3 kgf, 31.5 lbf) max.
If the measurement is higher than specified, replace the steering column as an assembly (see STEERING COLUMN REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ).