Assessment Of The Steering Column Of A Vehicle Involved In An Accident

The steering column may remain in the vehicle if all the following conditions are met:

No visible damage (breakage, cracks, deformation) to such front-axle parts as steering arms, steering gear, steering column mountings, steering wheel and airbag unit, wheel rims, wheel bearing housing (wheel carriers), tie rods, steering shaft or to the points on the body where wheel suspension parts are bolted on.

No unacceptable rise in torque and no jamming or catching when the steering gear is turned from stop to stop. When the steering is turned, the front wheels must be free (front axle raised) and, in addition, the engine must be switched off (pump of power steering undriven).

The steering column does not catch/jam when turned separately without steering gear.

No axial play in the steering column.

The steering column must be replaced by a new or replacement unit if one of the following points applies:

Impact is felt by occupants.

Airbag has been triggered.

Visible or perceptible damage to the steering column.

Play in steering shaft line.

Fire damage.

In addition, for vehicles with electrically adjustable steering columns, if the adjustment does not function perfectly (the axial and/or vertical adjustment time from stop to stop is too long, unusual noises are heard in this area).

The steering intermediate shaft and/or a universal joint is touching another component or has clearance of less than 5 mm.

The steering wheel is more than 10° out of line when the marking for steering center position overlaps → Adjusting Front Axle Toe .

If permanent deformation, breakage, cracks or play have been detected in:

steering gear,

steering column mountings,

tie rods,

steering arms,

spring struts,

wheel carriers,

control arms,

front-axle carrier (chassis subframe)

then the steering column must be checked according to the criteria listed above.