GM 26045683
Jacket

Check the Steering Column bracket assembly capsules to verify their proper placement within the slots and detect any loose conditions through manual casino push or pull tests. A vehicle sustaining any combination of frame damage, major body damage, sheet metal damage and Steering Column impact or deployment of its supplemental inflatable restraints system may end up with a damaged or misaligned Steering Column. Examine the bracket connection to the jacket assembly before making repairs; replace only the bracket in cases where the capsules do not sit snugly but the bracket gets its attachment through bolts while replacing the entire jacket assembly if the capsules are loose yet the bracket connection depends on welding. Jacket assembly inspection requires measuring the defined point between lower jacket and upper jacket edges where a dress specification failure demands new jacket assembly installation. A visual inspection of the Steering Shaft should examine injected plastic for shearing while replacement of the Steering Shaft occurs when sheared plastic is present. Measure runout of the Steering Shaft with a dial indicator at its lower end when rotating the wheel because the runout should not exceed 1.60 mm (0.06 in).

Vehicle inspection of the Steering Column needs to take place as a first step following a collision. Frame damage together with major body or sheet metal harm as well as impacts to the Steering Column and supplemental inflatable restraint system deployment indicates potential damage to the Steering Column requiring a potential misalignment. Verify that every capsule from the Steering Column bracket assembly stays in position within its slots before manually inspecting for loose conditions by pushing and pulling each capsule. Any loose capsules require bracket replacement if you use bolts to attach the jacket assembly or replacement of the entire jacket assembly when using steel welding for attachment. Inspection of jacket assembly collapse should occur by measuring the distance from the lower edge of the upper jacket to a defined point on the lower jacket. If this measurement exceeds specifications, a new jacket must be installed. The shaft rotational process should start after removing the inflatable restraint coil assembly from the Steering Column and allowing it to freely suspend without sustaining any harm. A visual inspection for sheared injected plastic on the Steering Shaft must be conducted. If sheared components are found you must install a new shaft. A dial indicator should be used to measure the lower Steering Shaft runout when rotating the wheel and the measurement should remain below 1.60 mm.

Install a new steering shaft.

The capsules should be checked to ensure all are securely seated in the bracket slots, and there should be no loose conditions when pushed or pulled by hand.

Vehicles involved in accidents with frame damage, significant body or sheet metal damage, impacts to the steering column, or where supplemental inflatable restraint systems deployed.

Measure the distance from the lower edge of the upper jacket to a defined point on the lower jacket.

Inspect the steering shaft for sheared injected plastic; if present, replace the steering shaft.