Looseness in Steering Column

Condition	Action
Preliminary inspection	Review the Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation and perform the necessary inspections. Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation
Verify the customer complaint	Test the vehicle on a shop hoist or road test. It may be necessary to compare to a like vehicle to determine if an issue is present. NOTE: If a symptom exists related to, but not included in the customer complaint, refer to an appropriate symptom chart.
Suspect tilt mechanism	NOTE: Item may not be repairable at the component level. Steering column may need to be replaced if failure is evident. Inspect the tilt mechanism for play or looseness. Replace as necessary. Steering Column Replacement (N37) , or Steering Column Replacement (N38)
Suspect column mounting	Inspect the steering column mounting features for the following conditions and repair as necessary: The steering column mounting fasteners are loose. The steering column mounting features are sheared. The steering column mounting fasteners are missing. NOTE: If the loose steering column mounting fasteners are Torque Angle Yield (TAY), discard and replace with new. NOTE: If the loose or missing fasteners are installed with thread adhesive, this must be cleaned off and reapplied or applied or applied to a fastener if supplied bare. Steering Column Replacement (N37) , or Steering Column Replacement (N38) For steering wheel and column, refer to Fastener Specifications .
Suspect column bearing	NOTE: Item may not be repairable at the component level. Steering column may need to be replaced if failure is evident. Inspect the upper and/or lower bearings for looseness by grasping the steering wheel with hands at 12 and 6 o'clock positions and alternating in a push-pull motion, then again at 9 and 3 o'clock positions noting any sign of movement. Replace as necessary. Steering Column Replacement (N37) , or Steering Column Replacement (N38)
Suspect intermediate steering shaft	Inspect the intermediate steering shaft for noise while driving the vehicle, turning the steering wheel, and applying the brakes. Replace or tighten as necessary. Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement For steering wheel and column, refer to Fastener Specifications .
Verify the repair has corrected the customer concern.	Re-test the vehicle on a shop hoist or road test and inspect for evidence of a returning condition.