Steering Column Diagnosis: Column
NOISE IN THE 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
| 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
| 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
| 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
| 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. |