GM 26098651
Steering Column

Any automobile that sustained damage to its frame or major body or sheet metal parts or experienced Steering Column impact or supplemental inflatable restraint system deployment needs inspection of its Steering Column. Examine each capsule on the Steering Column bracket assembly to verify bracket slot seatings and test loose conditions by hand. Study the manner which the bracket connects to the jacket assembly. Replacement must be confined to the bracket alone when the capsules remain unsecure and the bracket connects to the jacket assembly. The jacket assembly needs replacement whenever the bracket caps do not fit properly and when the bracket is attached to the jacket by welding. Jacket assembly replacement becomes necessary when measurements from the bottom edge of upper to specified location on lower show results outside specifications. The visual examination of the Steering Shaft should search for sheared injected plastic. A replacement Steering Shaft becomes necessary when this abnormality is detected during inspection. The inspection using a dial indicator of the lower Steering Shaft end for runout requires full steering wheel rotation until runout reaches beyond 1.60 mm (0.0625 inch).

Replace the jacket assembly.

Check the steering shaft runout using a dial indicator at the lower end of the steering shaft while rotating the steering wheel.