Inspection Procedure
- Turn Signal Switch Bracket Replacement - Remove
- Steering Column Replacement - Remove
- Rotate the steering column shaft and verify the shaft turns freely and without interference during the operation.
- Telescope the steering column in and out and verify there is NO grinding or binding during the operation.
Verify the energy absorbing (E/A) strap retainers (1) are NOT damaged and are fully engaged in the E/A strap.
- Verify the E/A strap (2) is NOT damaged.
Measure the length (a) of the upper and lower jacket assembly in the fully telescoped position. The length of the upper and lower jacket assembly must NOT be less then 416.4 mm (16.39 in).
- Measure the length (b) of the upper shaft from the end of the upper jacket to the tip of the shaft. The length of the upper shaft must NOT be less than 62.6 mm (2.46 in).
- If the steering column does NOT meet the specifications, the steering column is damaged. DISCARD the damaged steering column and install a NEW steering column.
- If the steering column meets the specifications, install the steering column. Steering Column Replacement
- Turn Signal Switch Bracket Replacement - Install
Vehicles involved in collisions may also have a damaged or misaligned steering column that is not obvious based on initial in-vehicle review. This inspection procedure is provided to ensure full steering column functionality after a collision before considering reuse. This procedure is not intended for use in collisions where replacement of the steering column is directed- such as those with frontal air bag deployment and side seat air bag deployment.