STEERING COLUMN SHAFT ASSEMBLY SHOCK ABSORBING MECHANISM CHECK


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 column shaft assembly (Refer to ).
If any excessive radial free play on the steering wheel is found with the tilt lever in the lock position, always check the steering shaft assembly.
warning
  • 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.
  • If there is a slack in the one-way capsule, do not attempt to repair it but replace the steering column shaft assembly.

INSPECTION PROCEDURE
1.Remove the lower and upper column covers (Refer to ).
2.
caution Do not release the tilt lever until the steering column has been installed to complete this inspection procedure. Confirm that the tilt position is uppermost position.
Ensure that the tilt lever is in the lock position.
note If not, place the tilt lever in the lock position.
3.Loosen the two upper steering column mounting bolts by two turns.

4.Hold the one-way capsule, and then try to rock them. If there is a slack in either of the capsules, replace the steering column shaft assembly (Refer to ).
note Installing a new steering column shaft assembly, place the tilt lever in the lock position.
5.
caution
  • Be careful that nothing is pinched between the one-way capsules and the body.
  • Do not release the tilt lever until the steering column has been installed to complete this inspection procedure.
If no problem is found during the inspection, tighten the steering column mounting bolts (Refer to ).