Steering Column Diagnosis: Column

Noise in the Column

DIAGNOSTIC REFERENCE NOISE IN COLUMN

Checks	Action
Check the steering gear-to-column joints for improper installation.	Tighten the steering shaft universal joint pinch bolts. Replace the steering shaft joints as needed.
Check the steering shaft bearing for wear or damage.	Replace the steering shaft bearing.
Check the spherical joint for lack of lubrication.	Lubricate the spherical joint.
Check the steering shaft for lack of lubrication.	Lubricate the steering shaft bearing.
Check the shaft lock snap ring for improper seating.	Adjust the shaft lock snap ring. Replace the shaft lock snap ring as needed.

High Steering Shaft Effort

DIAGNOSTIC REFERENCE HIGH STEERING SHAFT EFFORT

Checks	Action
Check the steering shaft bearing for wear or damage.	Replace the steering shaft bearing.
Check for an improperly installed or deformed dust seal.	Replace the dust seal.
Check for a damaged upper or lower bearing.	Replace the upper or the lower bearing.
Check the steering shaft universal joints for a lack of free movement.	Lubricate the steering shaft universal joints. Replace the steering shaft universal joints as needed.

Lash in the Steering Column

DIAGNOSTIC REFERENCE LASH IN STEERING COLUMN

Checks	Action
Check the steering column bracket mounting bolts for improper installation.	Tighten the steering column bracket mounting bolts.
Check for broken weld nuts on the steering column jacket.	Replace the steering column jacket.
Check for loose steering column housing-to-steering column jacket support screws.	Tighten the support screws.

Loose Steering Wheel

DIAGNOSTIC REFERENCE LOOSE STEERING WHEEL

Checks	Action
Check for excessive clearance between the holes in the steering wheel support or the housing and the pivot-pin diameters.	Replace the pivot pins with pivot pins of the correct size.
Check to see if the upper bearing is seated correctly in the housing.	Correctly seat the upper bearing. Replace the upper bearing as needed.
Check for loose steering column housing support screws.	Tighten the steering column housing support screws.

Noise When Tilting the Column

DIAGNOSTIC REFERENCE NOISE WHEN TILTING COLUMN

Checks	Action
Check for worn upper tilt bumpers.	Replace the upper tilt bumpers.
Check for tilt spring binding.	Adjust the tilt spring. Replace the tilt spring as needed.

Turn Signal / Dimmer Switch

Turn Signal Will Not Stay in the Turn Position

DIAGNOSTIC REFERENCE TURN SIGNAL

Checks	Action
Check the turn signal switch for an improper installation.	Remove and inspect the turn signal switch. Reinstall the switch.
Check the cancelling mechanism for broken or missing components.	Replace the cancelling mechanism.
Check the turn signal switch housing for foreign material.	Remove any foreign material.

Turn Signal Will Not Cancel

DIAGNOSTIC REFERENCE TURN SIGNAL

Checks	Action
Check the cancelling mechanism for broken or missing components.	Replace the cancelling mechanism.

Turn Signal / Dimmer Switch Difficult to Operate

DIAGNOSTIC REFERENCE TURN SIGNAL / DIMMER SWITCH DIFFICULT TO OPERATE

Checks	Action
Check the turn signal/dimmer switch and turn signal/dimmer switch lever for improper installation.	Remove and inspect the turn signal/dimmer switch and signal/dimmer switch lever. Reinstall the signal/dimmer switch and signal/dimmer switch lever.
Check the signal/dimmer switch housing for foreign material.	Remove any foreign material.

Turn Signal Will Not Indicate Lane Change

DIAGNOSTIC REFERENCE TURN SIGNAL

Checks	Action
Check for a broken lane change pressure pad or a broken spring hanger.	Replace the lane change pressure pad or the spring hanger.
Check for improper functioning of the lane change spring.	Replace the lane change spring.
Check the turn signal switch for improper installation.	Replace the turn signal switch.

No Turn Signal Lights

DIAGNOSTIC REFERENCE NO TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS

Checks	Action
Check for an inoperative turn signal flasher.	Replace the turn signal flasher.
Check for a faulty turn signal switch.	Replace the turn signal switch.
Check the chassis-to-column connector for an improper connection.	Reconnect the chassis-to-column connector.

Turn Indicator Lights on, But Not Flashing

DIAGNOSTIC REFERENCE TURN INDICATOR LIGHTS

Checks	Action
Check for an inoperative turn signal flasher.	Replace the turn signal flasher.
Check for a faulty turn signal switch.	Replace the turn signal switch.
Check the chassis-to-column connector for an improper connection.	Reconnect the chassis-to-column connector.

Front or Rear Turn Signal Lights Not Flashing

DIAGNOSTIC REFERENCE FRONT OR REAR TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS

Checks	Action
Check for a faulty turn signal switch.	Replace the turn signal switch.
Check the chassis-to-column connector for an improper connection.	Reconnect the chassis-to-column connector.

Turn Signal Lights Flash Very Slowly

DIAGNOSTIC REFERENCE TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS

Checks	Action
Check the chassis-to-column connector for an improper connection.	Reconnect the chassis-to-column connector.