Check of Telescoping Force

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Honda Insight and 2010 Honda Insight. 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 the spring scale to the center point of the steering wheel.

Fig 1: Attaching Spring Scale To Center Point Of Steering Wheel
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 the specified, replace the steering column as an assembly (see STEERING COLUMN REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ).