Steering Column: Testing and Inspection

CHECKING STEERING COLUMN AND STEERING UPPER SHAFT 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 are attached to steering column bracket securely. Check clearance between capsules and steering column bracket. Clearance should be 0 mm (0 inch) on both sides. If found loose or clearance, replace steering column assembly.





- Take measurement "a" as shown in the figure. If it is shorter than specified length, replace column assembly with new one.
Steering column assembly length "a": 490.3 ± 1.0 mm (19.30 ± 0.04 inch)
- 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 (1) 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.





- Take measurement "b" as shown in the figure. If it is shorter than specified length, replace steering upper shaft assembly with new one.
Steering upper shaft assembly length "b": 419.0 ± 1.0 mm (16.50 ± 0.04 inch)