GM 26081204
Steering Column

Vehicles sustaining frame damage together with major body damage or sheet metal damage or impact to the Steering Column or deployment of supplemental inflatable restraints systems might develop a damaged or misaligned Steering Column. Verify that the Steering Column bracket capsule components stay firmly in place through the slots while using hand-pressure tests on all components; immediate replacement of bracket assemblies is necessary using new parts when brackets are bolted to jacket structures or jacket assemblies when brackets are welded. Steady the upper jacket at its lower edge and determine the distance to a specified point on the lower jacket to detect jacket collapse; proceed with a new jacket when measurements deviate from standards. Steering Shaft examination must include an assessment for sheared plastic; if sheared plastic appears then install a new Steering Shaft. Any frame damage that might bend the Steering Shaft requires a dial indicator check of the Steering Shaft runout at its lower end during steering wheel rotation. The runout must stay under 1.60 mm.