Vehicles involved in accidents
resulting in frame damage, major body or sheet metal damage, or where the
steering column has been impacted, or where supplemental inflatable restraint
systems deployed may also have a damaged or misaligned steering column.
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Check the capsules on the steering column bracket assembly: all
must be securely seated in the bracket slots and checked for any loose conditions
when pushed or pulled by hand. If not, the bracket should be replaced if bolted
to the jacket assembly. If the bracket is welded to the jacket assembly replace
the jacket assembly.
•
Check for jacket assembly
collapse by measuring the distance from the lower edge of the upper jacket
to a defined point on the lower jacket. If measured dimensions are not within
specifications, a new jacket must be installed.
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Important: The SIR coil assembly must be removed from the steering column and allowed
to hang freely before shaft is rotated. Failure to do so could damage coil
assembly.
Visually inspect steering
shaft for sheared injected plastic (1). If 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 in the following manner. Using a dial indicator
at the lower end of the steering shaft, have the steering wheel rotated. Runout
must not exceed 1.60 mm (0.625 in).