GM 15775845
Steering Column

The occurrence of major structural frame damage alongside major body or sheet metal damage or Steering Column impact or inflation of supplemental inflatable restraint systems could lead to Steering Column problems in the affected vehicle. The inspection of both Steering Column bracket capsules should verify complete bracket slot seating and evaluate loose conditions by manual force tests. Replace any loose capsule items by changing the bracket when bolted to the jacket assembly but use a new jacket assembly when welding is present. The measurement from the support bracket mounting plate to the lower edge of jacket lower bracket should be taken to evaluate jacket collapse. Replace the jacket assembly if the measurement reveals less than 286 mm. Free the Steering Column sir coil before conducting the shaft rotation. The presence of sheared plastic on the Steering Shaft requires a new Steering Shaft for replacement. The measurement using a dial indicator on the Steering Shaft base indicates that no damage from frame problems should exceed 1.60 mm (0.0625 in) runout when rotating the steering wheel.

Following accidents that cause frame damage or major body or sheet metal damage or impact to the Steering Column or deployment of supplemental inflatable restraint systems can lead to damaged or misaligned steering columns. The inspection of Steering Column bracket assemblies needs a check that all capsules have proper bracket slots seating and all loose conditions should be tested through manual push and pull motions; any loose capsule requires bracket replacement if attached to the jacket assembly or replacement of the jacket assembly if brackets are welded. The upper and lower jacket dimensions should be measured from their lower edges to determine jacket collapse. Replace the jacket if the measurement falls below 101 mm and remove the sir coil from the Steering Column before allowing it to hang. Visible examination of the Steering Shaft should be performed to check for sheared plastic; a sheared section requires replacement of the Steering Shaft. A dial indicator should be positioned at the Steering Shaft's lower end to check if frame damage has caused Steering Shaft bending while rotating the steering wheel. The runout measurement should not exceed 1.60 mm (0.0625 in).

Cars involved in collisions which cause frame degradation or major body or sheet metal damage and impacts to the Steering Column and supplemental inflatable restraint deployments may have alignment issues with their steering columns. Check the Steering Column bracket assembly capsules for secure bracket placement inside their designated slots while visually inspecting all loose conditions through manual capsule testing for stability. The bracket must be replaced if it uses bolts to connect to the jacket assembly while any loose capsules exist; however, use welded jacket assembly replacement when capsules are loose. A welded jacket assembly must be replaced completely. Check the assembly condition by measuring from the Steering Column support bracket mounting plate to the jacket lower bracket's lower edge. The jacket assembly requires replacement when measurements reveal dimensions under 286 mm. First detach the sir coil from its column position then let it suspend freely while rotating the shaft. A visual examination should be performed on the Steering Shaft to detect sheared plastic parts. Replace the Steering Shaft when it has sheared injected plastic. Use a dial indicator at the Steering Shaft's lower end to check for frame damage that may lead to a bent shaft when you rotate the wheel. A 1.60 mm (0.0625 in) limit applies to the measurement of runout.

Cars involved in collisions which cause frame degradation or major body or sheet metal damage and impacts to the Steering Column and supplemental inflatable restraint deployments may have alignment issues with their steering columns. Check the Steering Column bracket assembly capsules for secure bracket placement inside their designated slots while visually inspecting all loose conditions through manual capsule testing for stability. The bracket must be replaced if it uses bolts to connect to the jacket assembly while any loose capsules exist; however, use welded jacket assembly replacement when capsules are loose. A welded jacket assembly must be replaced completely. Check the assembly condition by measuring from the Steering Column support bracket mounting plate to the jacket lower bracket's lower edge. The jacket assembly requires replacement when measurements reveal dimensions under 286 mm. First detach the sir coil from its column position then let it suspend freely while rotating the shaft. A visual examination should be performed on the Steering Shaft to detect sheared plastic parts. Replace the Steering Shaft when it has sheared injected plastic. Use a dial indicator at the Steering Shaft's lower end to check for frame damage that may lead to a bent shaft when you rotate the wheel. A 1.60 mm (0.0625 in) limit applies to the measurement of runout.

Accidental incidents that lead to frame destruction together with significant body or sheet metal destruction or collisions to the Steering Column or supplementary inflatable restraint system activations can result in Steering Column damage or misalignment. Check that all caps on the bracket assembly of the Steering Column mount securely fit within their slots and then inspect for any loose conditions after manual hand testing; immediately replace the bracket through jacket welding when detection occurs but ensure bracket replacement when the connection is bolted. The jacket assembly needs replacement if measurements from the Steering Column support bracket mounting plate show lower edge distances below 286 mm. Under this condition, remove the sir coil from the Steering Column to verify jacket assembly collapse and perform further inspections. A damaged Steering Shaft should be replaced when sheared plastic is visibly detected through examination. Use a dial indicator at the bottom of the Steering Shaft to check for frame damage that might cause Steering Shaft bending while spinning the steering wheel. The maximum allowed runout measurement is 1.60 mm (0.0625 in).