ON-VEHICLE SERVICE
POWER STEERING
37A-15
STEERING COLUMN SHAFT ASSEMBLY
SHOCK ABSORBING MECHANISM
CHECK
M1372013500197
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.
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.
CAUTION
Do not release the tilt lever until the steering
column has been installed to complete this
inspection procedure.
2. 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 capsules as shown, and then
try to lock them. If there is a slack in either of the
capsules, replace the steering column shaft
assembly.
NOTE: When installing a new steering column
shaft assembly, place the tilt lever in the lock
position, if it is not in place.
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.
5. If no problem is found during the inspection,
tighten the steering column mounting bolts to the
specified torque.
Tightening torque: 12
±
2 N
⋅
m
AC209935
Steering
column
assembly
AC
One way capsule
Steering
column
mounting
bolt