GM 26073096
Jacket

Accidents causing frame damage together with major body or sheet metal damage and impacts to the Steering Column or deployment of supplemental inflatable restraint systems can lead to a damaged or misaligned Steering Column in such vehicles. Check the Steering Column bracket assembly capsules for correct positioning in bracket slots while manually testing all conditions by pushing and pulling them. The bracket replacement should be done independently when capsules do not sit properly on their slots and the bracket remains fastened to the jacket assembly. A jacket assembly replacement is needed when capsules fail to be properly seated and the bracket uses welded connections to the jacket. The measurement of lower upper jacket edge to fixed lower jacket point must be performed to detect jacket assembly collapse and necessitate new jacket assembly installation in case specifications are breached. The inspection of the Steering Shaft should include an examination for sheared injected plastic. The Steering Shaft requires replacement if sheared plastic is detected. A dial indicator at the lower end of the Steering Shaft should check for frame damage that could cause a bent Steering Shaft by rotating the steering wheel; the runout must not exceed 1.60 mm (0.0625 inch).

If the capsules are not securely seated and the bracket is bolted to the jacket assembly, replace only the bracket. If the capsules are not securely seated and the bracket is welded to the jacket assembly, replace only the jacket assembly.

The capsules on the steering column bracket assembly should be inspected to ensure all capsules are securely seated in the bracket slots and checked for any loose conditions when pushed or pulled by hand.