STEERING COLUMN SHAFT ASSEMBLY SHOCK ABSORBING MECHANISM CHECK


warning
  1. If the vehicle continues to be driven after the collision absorbing mechanism has operated, the steering column shaft may be damaged while it is in use.
  2. If there is a slack in the mounting base, do not attempt to repair it but replace the steering column shaft assembly.
If a collision accident occurs or severe impact is applied on the steering wheel, the collision energy absorbing mechanism may have operated. Once the mechanism has operated, it will be inoperative even it has suffered no apparent damage. Determine if the steering column shaft can be reused by the following procedure. If the collision energy absorbing mechanism has already operated, replace the steering shaft assembly. If any excessive radial freeplay on the steering wheel is found with the tilt lever in the lock position, always inspect the steering shaft assembly.

INSPECTION PROCEDURE

1.Remove the lower and upper column covers.
2.
caution After inspection, do not release the tilt lever until the steering shaft assembly has been installed.
Ensure that the tilt lever is in the lock position.
3.Loosen the two upper steering column mounting bolts by two turns.
4.Hold the one-way capsules as shown, and then try to rock them. If there is a slack in either of the capsules, replace the steering column shaft assembly.
Reference
The mounting base is fixed to the column bracket with the resin pin. Before the collision energy absorbing mechanism operates, the column bracket is secured to the mounting base. After operation, the resin pin will break off causing a slack.
5.
caution
  1. Be careful that nothing is pinched between the mounting base and the body.
  2. After inspection, do not release the tilt lever until the steering shaft assembly has been installed.
After inspection, if there is no fault, tighten the two steering column upper side mounting bolts (2 bolts) to the specified torque.
Tightening torque: 12 ± 2 N·m