Steering Column: Testing and Inspection

Steering Column Inspection

Inspection

1. Remove the steering column.

2. Check these items:

- Check the upper ball bearing (A) and the lower ball bearing (B) for play and proper movement. If any bearing is noisy or has excessive play, replace the steering column as an assembly.
- Check the absorbing plates (C) and the coat plates (D) for distortion or breakage. If there is distortion or breakage, replace the steering column as an assembly.
- Check the tilt mechanism and telescopic mechanism for movement and damage.
- Check the splined shaft (E) for smooth movement in and out. If the splined shaft is removed, slip it into the splined tube by aligning the paint or stamped marks (F). If it sticks or binds, replace the steering column as an assembly.
- Apply the multipurpose grease to the steering column.

NOTE: Do not use silicone grease.





3. Install the steering column.

Check of Tilting Force

1. Set the steering wheel in the straight ahead driving position, and loosen the lock lever fully.

2. Attach a commercially available spring scale (A) to the highest point of the steering wheel, and tilt the steering column to the lowest position.






3. Pull the spring scale straight up, and read the force required to move the steering column.

4. Attach the spring scale to the lowest point of the steering wheel.

5. Pull the spring scale straight down, and read the force required to move the steering column.






6. If the measurement is higher than specified, or if the tilt function feels rough, do this.

1. Loosen the steering column mounting nuts and bolts so they are finger-tight.

2. Release the lock lever, and tilt and telescope the steering column several times.

3. Tilt the column down, then tighten the lock lever.

4. Torque the bolts, then torque the nuts.

7. Test the tilting force again. If the force is still higher than the specification, replace the steering column as an assembly Steering Column Removal/Installation.

Check of Telescoping Force

1. Set the steering wheel in the straight ahead driving position, and loosen the lock lever fully.

2. Attach a commercially available spring scale (A) to the center point of the steering wheel, and push the steering column all the way in.





3. Pull the spring scale, and read the force required to pull the steering column out.





4. If the measurement is higher than specified, replace the steering column as an assembly Steering Column Removal/Installation.

Check of Lock Lever Force

1. Move the lock lever (A) from the loosened position to the locked position three to five times, then release the lock lever. Adjust the steering column to the center tilt position and also to the full telescopic out position, and hold the steering wheel.





2. Using a commercially available push-pull gauge, push the lock lever at 10 mm(0.39 in) in from its end, and measure the force required to move lock lever.





3. If the measurement is higher than specified, replace the steering column as an assembly Steering Column Removal/Installation.