Checking Steering Column For Accident Damage

NOTE: Vehicles involved in accidents resulting in body damage, where steering column has been impacted or air bag deployed, may have a damaged or misaligned steering column.

Check that 2 capsules (1) are attached to steering column bracket (2) securely. Check clearance between capsules and steering column bracket. Clearance should be 0 mm (0 in.) on both sides. If found loose or clearance, replace steering column assembly.

Fig 1: Identifying Capsules & Steering Column Bracket
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Check two rivets (1) of steering column assembly for loose, crack and breakage. If found loose, crack and breakage, replace steering column assembly with new one.
Take measurement "a" and "b" as shown in the figure. If it is shorter than specified length, replace column assembly with a new one.
Steering column assembly length

"a": 471.0 ± 1.0 mm (18.54 ± 0.04 in.)

"b": 423.9 ± 1.0 mm (16.69 ± 0.04 in.)

Fig 2: Identifying Steering Column Assembly Length
Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Check steering shaft for smooth rotation.
If found defective, replace as column assembly.
Check steering shaft and column for bend, cracks or deformation.
If found defective, replace as column assembly.
Check steering upper shaft lower seal for breakage or deformation.
If found defective, replace.
Check steering shaft joints and shaft for any damages such as crack, breakage, malfunction or excessive play.
If anything is found faulty, replace steering upper shaft assembly, steering lower shaft assembly or steering column assembly.
Check steering upper shaft assembly for following conditions.
- Steering upper shaft assembly (1) is not bent or damaged.
- Lower seal (2) is not damaged.
- Upper joint (3) turns with light hand force and lower joint (4) turns at the same time.
  
  Fig 3: Identifying Steering Upper Shaft Assembly Components
  Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
- Shaft (1) expands and contracts easily with light force.
  
  Fig 4: Identifying Upper Shaft
  Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
- When shaft is made to contract with light force until it stops, its length "a" is longer than specified value.
  CAUTION: Do not apply excessive force to shaft when making it contract. Its internal plug may be damaged.
  
  Steering upper shaft assembly length
  
  "a": 363.0 mm (14.29 in.)
  
  Fig 5: Identifying Steering Upper Shaft Assembly Length
  Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
  
  NOTE: If shaft has come off in sleeve due to an accident or some other reason as shown in figure, its internal plug has come off or been damaged. The same applies when length of steering upper shaft assembly is short.
  When anything faulty is noted in above check, replace steering upper shaft assembly with a new one.
  
  Fig 6: Identifying Damaged Shaft
  Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.