GM 26100704
Steering Column

Any vehicle suffering frame damage, lasting major body deformations, Steering Column impacts or inflation of supplemental air bags might reveal either a damaged or misaligned Steering Column. Check the bracket assembly capsules which need to be snugly settled into the bracket notches before conducting manual tests by pushing or pulling the capsules. The repair procedure includes bracket replacement if the bracket connects through bolts to the jacket assembly but demands a new jacket assembly when the bracket applies to the jacket assembly by weld. Measurement of the lower edge of upper jacket to a defined lower jacket point will determine jacket assembly collapse; exchange the assembly when measurement standards are not met. Verify the tab of bearing and adapter assembly does not break and inspect the Steering Shaft for injected plastic that has sheared off; replace the Steering Shaft when present. The Steering Shaft requires runout measurement with a dial indicator at its lower end as part of frame damage evaluation. During wheel rotation an excessive 1.60 mm (0.06 inch) deviation should not occur.