Inspection Procedure
- Vehicles involved in accidents involving the following conditions may also have a damaged or misaligned steering column:
- Frame damage
- Major body or sheet metal damage.
- Where the steering column has been impacted
- Where supplemental inflatable restraint systems deployed
- Inspect the capsules on the steering column bracket assembly. All capsules must be securely seated in the bracket slots and inspected for any loose conditions when pushed or pulled by hand.
- Observe how the bracket is attached to the jacket assembly.
- If the capsules are not securely seated and the bracket is bolted to the jacket assembly, replaced only the bracket.
- If the capsules are not securely seated and the bracket is welded to the jacket assembly, replace only the jacket assembly.
- Inspect for jacket assembly collapse by measuring the distance from the lower edge of the upper jacket to a defined point on the lower jacket. Measurement for the jacket assembly must be A = 107 mm or 4.21 in. Replace the jacket assembly if the measured dimensions are not within specifications.
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Visually inspect steering shaft for sheared injected plastic. If steering shaft shows sheared plastic (1), replace the steering shaft.
- Any frame damage that could cause a bent steering shaft must have the steering shaft runout checked in the following manner. Using a dial indicator at the lower end of the steering shaft, have the steering wheel rotated. Runout must not exceed 1.60 mm.
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.