OEM 2002 Buick Park Avenue Steering Column

2002 Buick Park Avenue Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: What should be inspected in accidents with frame damage or significant body damage regarding the steering column on 2002 Buick Park Avenue?

  A: Accidents that cause frame damage or substantial sheet metal or body injuries or direct impacts to the Steering Column along with events where supplemental inflatable restraint systems activate can harm the Steering Column alignment. Use hand pressure to check capsule seating position in the bracket slots of the Steering Column assembly while inspecting the bracket assembly for loose connections. Steering Column bracket replacement is required when the bracket attaches to the jacket assembly with loose capsules. A jacket assembly replacement is required when capsules do not fit properly and the bracket uses welding as its attachment method. A measurement between the lower edge of the upper jacket and a defined point on the lower jacket must be performed to detect jacket assembly collapse. A new jacket assembly is required when measurement results exceed specifications. A visual shaft inspection should evaluate sheared injected plastic at the Steering Shaft location; immediate replacement of the Steering Shaft is necessary if sheared plastic material is detected. A dial indicator at the lower end of the Steering Shaft should be used to measure runout after frame damage assessment. The measurement should be limited to 1.60 mm (0.0625 inch) when rotating the steering wheel.