Notice: Vehicles involved in accidents resulting in frame damage, major body or sheet metal damage, or where the steering column has been impacted, may also have a damaged or a misaligned steering column.
Inspect the capsules on the steering column bracket assembly. All capsules must be securely seated in the bracket slots and inspected for any loose conditions when pushed or pulled by hand.
Observe how the bracket is attached to the jacket assembly.
| • | If the capsules are not securely seated and the bracket is bolted to the jacket assembly, replace only the bracket. |
| • | If the capsules are not securely seated and the bracket is welded to the jacket assembly, replace only the jacket assembly. |
Inspect for jacket assembly collapse by measuring the distance from the lower edge of the upper jacket to a defined point on the lower jacket. Replace the jacket assembly if the measured dimensions are not within specifications.
Visually inspect the shift tube for sheared injected plastic. If the shift tube shows sheared plastic, install a new shift tube.
Inspect the operation of the shift lever, if you can move the lever to the park position without raising the lever, it is an indication that the upper shift tube plastic bearing is broken.
Visually inspect the steering shaft for sheared injected plastic. If the steering shaft shows sheared plastic (1), replace the steering shaft.
Any frame damage that could cause a bent steering shaft must have the steering shaft runout checked. Using a dial indicator at the lower end of the steering shaft, rotate the steering wheel. The runout must not exceed 1.60 mm (0.06 in).
