Caution: Vehicles involved in accidents that result in any of the following kinds of damage or situations, may also have a damaged or misaligned steering column:
| • | If the steering column has been impacted |
| • | If the supplemental inflatable restraints system was deployed |
Inspection Procedure
| • | 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. |
| | Caution: Before the shaft is rotated, remove the inflatable restraint coil assembly from the steering column and allow it to hang freely. Failure to do so may damage the coil assembly.
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| • | Visually inspect the steering shaft for sheared injected plastic (1). If the steering shaft shows sheared plastic, 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). |
