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.
Check the capsules on the steering column bracket assembly. All the capsules
must be securely seated in the bracket slots.
Check for any loose conditions when the capsules are pushed or
pulled by hand. If there are any loose conditions, the bracket should be replaced
if it is bolted to the jacket assembly. If the bracket is welded to a jacket,
replace the jacket assembly.
Check the jacket assembly for collapse
by measuring the distance from the lower edge of the upper jacket to a defined
point on the lower jacket. If the measured dimensions are not within 65.53 ± 0.50 mm
(2.56 ± .02 in), a new jacket must be installed.
Visually inspect the shift tube for sheared
injected plastic. If the shift tube shows sheared plastic, a new shift tube
must be installed.
Check the operation of the shift lever. The upper shift tube plastic
bearing is broken if you can move the lever to the P (Park) position without
raising the lever.
Visually inspect the steering shaft for
sheared injected plastic. If the steering shaft shows sheared plastic, a new
steering shaft must be installed.
Any frame damage that could cause a bent steering shaft must have
the steering shaft runout checked.
Use a dial indicator at the lower end of the steering shaft. Rotate
the steering wheel. The runout must not exceed 1.59 mm (0.063 in).