Steering Column Inspection

Reference: STEERING COLUMN REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

NOTE: Inspect steering column assembly if vehicle is involved in accident where steering column assembly has been impacted or air bag deployed.

Inspect steering column assembly as follows and replace it if defective.
- Check steering column assembly for looseness in direction of arrows [a] and [b] in figure with telescopic and tilt lever locked.
  
  Fig 1: Checking Steering Column Assembly
  Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
- Inspect distances "a" and "b" in figure.
  Steering column length
  
  "a": 482.6 ± 2 mm (19.00 ± 0.08 in.) (fully extended)
  
  : 432.6 ± 2 mm (17.03 ± 0.08 in.) (fully retracted)
  
  "b": 165.5 ± 1 mm (6.51 ± 0.04 in.)
  
  Fig 2: Identifying Steering Column Length
  Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
- Adjust distance between centers "c" in figure of steering lower shaft bearing to 246.8 ± 2 mm (9.72 ± 0.08 in.).
- Check that steering lower shaft retracts by 35 mm (1.38 in.) and extended by 50 mm (1.97 in.) from dimension "c".
  
  Fig 3: Identifying Steering Lower Shaft Bearing Distance
  Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
- Check steering column shaft for smooth rotation.