Steering Column Damage When Suspending Cradle From Intermediate Shaft - keywords assist bind column cradle frame lack loss steer stiff steering trans variable

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Variable effort steering inoperative or may have reduced performance after the cradle is lowered for service. Most noticeable at idle and parking lot maneuvers.

Do NOT suspend the mass of the cradle and/or powertrain from the column intermediate shaft. The linkage to the steering rack must be disconnected before the cradle is lowered otherwise damage to the column will occur and The steering column must be replaced. Several components may be damaged including the shaft, the column position sensor, the lower bearing of the column or the capsules used for attachment of the column.

Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.