Inspection After Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Nissan Murano. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Check if there is something wrong with jacket tube etc. And then if they are damaged, replace with new one.
If vehicle is light shocked, check column length L1 or L2 as shown in Fig 1 . Then if it is out of the specified value, replace with new one.

Fig 1: Measuring Steering Column Length
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

Steering column length

L1: 181 - 183 mm (7.13 - 7.20 in)

L2: 240.4 - 244.8 mm (9.46 - 9.64 in)
Check the turning torque of steering column with preload gauge (SST). If it is out of the specified value, repair it or replace with new one.
Turning torque: 0 - 0.2 N.m (0 - 0.02 kg-m, 0 - 1 in-lb)