GM 15252719
Column Assembly

A vehicle involved in an accident will need inspection when it suffers frame damage or major body or sheet metal damage or an impacted Steering Column or deployed supplemental inflatable restraint system may have a damaged or misaligned Steering Column. During the inspection of Steering Column bracket assembly capsules ensure they are tightly fitted into their respective slots while evaluating any loose bracket behavior when manually pushed or pulled. According to the method of bracket connection to jacket assembly there are two scenarios for repair : a bracket substitution when capsules are not properly seated and bracket uses bolts or only replace the jacket assembly when capsules are not properly seated and the bracket uses welding techniques. Jacket assembly replacement must occur when measurements reveal dimensions outside specifications from the lower edge of upper jacket to the specified point on the lower jacket. Check if the bearing and adapter assembly tabs have been damaged while inspecting the Steering Shaft for sheared plastic areas. When sheared plastic appears on the Steering Shaft require a new replacement shaft. A Steering Shaft runout test occurs with a dial indicator alongside the wheel rotation to check wether any framework damage has caused shaft bending or if the runout exceeds 0.0625 inches (1.60 mm).