Steering Column: Testing and Inspection

STEERING COLUMN COUPLING INSPECTION
The steering column coupling must be inspected whenever a vehicle is involved in an impact or whenever any of the following conditions exist.
1. The steering column coupling must be inspected whenever a vehicle is involved in a collision which deploys the air bag, regardless of the extent of damage done to the vehicle.
2. If a vehicle is involved in an impact of the vehicles front suspension or under carriage, which results in any type of damage to the front suspension crossmember.
3. Under any conditions which result in the steering column assembly or steering column shaft receiving a force great enough to move the steering column or shaft forward or rearward in a vehicle.

STEERING COUPLING INSPECTION PROCEDURE

Steering Column To Coupling Attachment:

1. Remove the pinch bolt safety pin from the steering column shaft coupling pinch bolt.
2. Loosen the coupling pinch bolt retaining nut and remove pinch bolt from steering coupler (Pinch bolt nut is caged to coupler and is not removable). Separate the steering column upper coupling from the lower coupling.

Steering Column Coupling Seal:

3. Remove the silencer seal enclosing the steering column coupling.

Steering Column Coupling Inspection:

4. Inspect steering column coupling in the following areas for signs of damage:
- Inspect the sealing collar on the lower coupling to ensure the it is not cracked, broken, or otherwise damaged requiring coupling replacement.
- Inspect the corrugated section of the lower coupling for the following conditions or any other visible signs of damage.
- Uneven spacing between the corrugations on the coupling.
- Dings or dents in the corrugations of the coupling or anywhere else on the coupling wall.
- A bend in the corrugated section of the coupling.
If any of the preceding conditions exist the steering coupling must be replaced.

Steering Column Coupling Seal:

5. If lower coupling does not require replacement, install steering column upper coupling silencer seal back on the vehicle.
6. Ensure front wheels of vehicle are positioned straight-ahead and then align and attach steering column upper coupling to lower coupling. Install the coupling pinch bolt. Tighten the pinch bolt nut to a torque of 28 Nm (250 inch lbs.).
7. Install upper to lower steering coupling pinch bolt safety pin.