GM 25773038
Column Assembly

A vehicle damaged through frame damage or severe body or sheet metal damage will require inspection of its Steering Column after accidents when supplemental inflatable restraint deployment affects column alignment and when either impact hits the Steering Column or accidental maneuvers with the column. Check both the location and seating condition of all Steering Column bracket capsules while levering their position through manual hand pressure tests. The installation method of the bracket to the jacket assembly requires careful observation. The replacement process should include only the bracket when the capsules are not properly seated and the bracket connects to the jacket assembly through bolts. Replace only the bracket when the caps are not properly set in place and the bracket uses welding to affix to the jacket assembly. The distance from the bottom edge of the upper jacket to a defined point on the lower jacket should be measured to confirm specifications for jacket assembly condition. Failed measurements need replacement of the whole jacket assembly. Check whether the tabs on the bearing and adapter assembly sustain damage. Check the Steering Shaft for sheared plastic material through visual inspection because replacement of the Steering Shaft is necessary when sheared plastic is detected. A dial indicator should measure the Steering Shaft runout from its lower end when rotating the steering wheel until the measurement does not surpass 1.60 mm (0.0625 inch).

Replace only the bracket.