Steering Column Damage Inspection
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 1995 Saturn SW2, 1995 Saturn SW1, 1995 Saturn SL2, 1995 Saturn SL1, and 1995 Saturn SL. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
CAUTION:
In accidents resulting in frame damage, major sheet metal damage or where the steering column has been impacted may also have a damaged or misaligned steering column. Failure to check for steering column damage may result in component malfunction.
- Inspect capsules on steering column assembly; all must be securely seated in bracket slots and checked for any loose connections when pushed or pulled. If movement exceeds 1.59 mm (1/16 in.), replace column.
- Check the steering column jacket for collapse by measuring between the end of the bearing assembly and the lower edge of the upper bracket. If dimension is less than 120.98 mm (4.76 in.), replace the jacket. See Fig 1.
NOTE: Failure to remove the coil assembly before steering shaft is rotated may damage the coil assembly.
- If steering shaft is suspected of being bent, check the steering shaft runout in the following steps:
- Remove inflator module, steering wheel, shrouds and lever combination switch.
- Remove intermediate shaft.
- Install dial indicator (SA 9179NE) so that its plunger rests against the upper end of the steering shaft.
- Rotate steering shaft while observing the dial indicator reading. If total indicator travel shows that runout is more than 1.59 mm (1/16 in.), replace steering column.