GM 26094655
Column Assembly

Evaluation of the Steering Column must happen directly after a collision particularly when frame damage exists or body and sheet metal damage is significant and also when Steering Column impact occurs or supplemental inflatable restraint systems activate. First check that the Steering Column bracket capsules remain firmly seated within their slots and exhibit no loose behavior when performing hand tests on them; replace brackets by new ones across jacket assemblies when brackets are bolted or across jacket assemblies when they are welded. The distance between the lower edge of the upper jacket and the defined portion of the lower jacket must be checked to verify jacket assembly collapse; install a new jacket if measurements show out of spec. Procedure to rotate the shaft requires first freeing the inflatable restraint coil assembly from the Steering Column and then allowing it to hang free to protect from damage during shaft rotation. A visual inspection of the Steering Shaft needs to be performed for sheared injected plastic. If detected replace the shaft with a new one. Test the lower end of the Steering Shaft while rotating the wheel by using a dial indicator to measure runout since the measurement should not exceed 1.60 mm.

Frame damage caused together with major body damage, sheet metal damage, impact to the Steering Column or supplemental inflatable restraints system deployment can lead to a misaligned or damaged Steering Column. It is imperative to examine the capsules seated within the bracket slots of the Steering Column bracket assembly for secure placement and handle-driven loose condition checks. Any capsule detected as loose should prompt a bracket replacement when bolted to the jacket assembly or require new jacket installation when the bracket is welded. The jacket needs replacement if its measurement results fall outside of the defined specifications. Jacket assembly collapse should be checked through a measurement from the lower edge of the upper jacket to a specific spot on the lower jacket. Gently examine the Steering Shaft by removing the inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil to check for sheared plastic material. If sheared plastic is seen on the Steering Shaft then replace it with a new one. An inspection of the Steering Shaft runout using a dial indicator at its bottom end should be performed while rotating the wheel to determine its limiting value at 1.60 mm.

The capsules on the steering column bracket assembly should be checked to ensure they are securely seated in the bracket slots and free of any loose conditions.