OEM 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Steering Column

2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: What should be inspected in accidents with frame damage or steering column issues on 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo?

  A: Motor vehicles sustaining damage to their frame or major sheet metal or Steering Column impacts or deployments of supplemental inflatable restraints can have Steering Column malfunctions or misalignments. Examine all capsules on the Steering Column bracket assembly to verify their proper bracket slot seating while examining loose conditions through manual push and pull testing. The bracket must get exchanged only if the brackets are joined to the jacket assembly yet the capsules remain loose from their designated slots. When the capsule fails to seat properly on the bracket which is welded to the jacket assembly then the replacement should be limited to the jacket assembly. A measurement from the lower surface of the upper jacket to a specified mark on the lower jacket should be performed to detect any collapse in the jacket assembly and replacing the complete assembly when the measured values exceed specifications. A visual inspection should be performed on the Steering Shaft to identify sheared injected plastic; replacement of the Steering Shaft becomes necessary if sheared plastic is detected. The Steering Shaft needs runout measurement using a dial indicator at its lower end when the steering wheel rotates because frame damage that might warp the shaft exists. This runout should not exceed 1.60 mm (0.06 in.).