Steering Column: Testing and Inspection

Air Bag Steering Wheel and Column Diagnosis
For diagnosis of the steering wheel and steering column, refer to Service and Repair.

Inspection and Repair Required after Accident
After an accident, whether the air bag has been deployed or not, be sure to perform checks, inspections and repairs described under "Checking Steering Column for Accident Damage:" as well as "Repairs and Inspections Required after an Accident: ".

Checking Steering Column for Accident Damage

NOTE: Vehicles involved in accidents resulting in body damage, where steering column has been impacted or air bag deployed, may have a damaged or misaligned steering column.

Steering Column Inspection

CAUTION:
^ Once the steering column is removed from the vehicle, the column is extremely susceptible to damage.
^ Dropping the column assembly on its end could collapse the steering shaft.
^ Loosen the plastic shear pins which maintain column length.
^ Leaning on the column assembly could cause it to bend or deform.
^ Any of the damage could impair the column's collapsible design.
^ Steering column mounting nuts should not be loosened with steering shaft joint upper side bolt tightened as this could cause damage to shaft joint bearing.

NOTE:
^ When servicing steering column or any column-mounted component, remove steering wheel. But when removing steering column simply to gain access to instrument panel components, leave steering wheel installed on steering column.
^ Vehicles involved in accidents resulting in body damage, where steering column has been impacted or air bag deployed, may have a damaged or misaligned steering column.





1) Check that two capsules (1) are attached to steering column bracket securely. If found loose, replace steering column assembly. Check ripping plate (2) for crack. If found defective, replace.





2) Take measurement "b" as shown. If it is shorter than specified length, replace column assembly with new one.
Steering column assembly length "b": 513 mm (20.20 inch)
3) Check steering shaft joints and shaft for any damages such as crack, breakage, malfunction or excessive play. If anything is found faulty, replace as joint assembly.
4) Check steering shaft for smooth rotation. If found defective, replace as column assembly.





5) Check steering shaft and column for bend, cracks or deformation. If found defective, replace.