GM 15894817
Steering Column

Accident-involved vehicles require examination because the frame sustained damage together with major body or sheet metal destruction or any situation where Steering Column impact occurred or supplemental inflatable restraint systems or Steering Column misalignment emerged. Examine the Steering Column bracket assembly capsules which should be completely in bracket positions while testing their stability by manual pushing and pulling motions. Check the attachment method between the bracket and jacket assembly. The bracket must be replaced independently when capsules are loose from their slots and the bracket connection point is bolted to the jacket assembly. A replacement of the jacket assembly becomes necessary when the bracket capsules fail to be properly seated but the bracket is welded to the jacket assembly. The distance measurement from upper to lower jacket edges determines the need to replace the assembly when measurements deviate from specified dimensions. Check for any damage to tabs on the bearing and adapter assembly. Pinpoint the Steering Shaft for malformed plastic sections during visual checkup; if plastic shearing occurs replacing the Steering Shaft becomes necessary. A dial indicator should check the Steering Shaft runout of 1.60mm (0.0625 inch) at the lower end while rotating the steering wheel after examining damaged frames to confirm a bent Steering Shaft.

The capsules should be inspected to ensure they are securely seated in the bracket slots, and any loose conditions should be checked by pushing or pulling them by hand.