STEERING COLUMN SHAFT ASSEMBLY SHOCK ABSORBING MECHANISM CHECK

If a collision accident occurs or severe impact is applied on the steering wheel, the shock absorbing mechanism may become activated. Once the mechanism is activated, it will be inoperable even when the steering shaft assembly has no apparent damage. Check the steering shaft assembly according to the following procedure. If the shock absorbing mechanism has already operated, replace the steering shaft assembly with a new one.

If any excessive radial freeplay on the steering wheel is found with the tilt lever in the lock position, always replace the steering shaft assembly.

warning

If the vehicle continues to be driven after the shock absorbing mechanism is already operated, the steering shaft assembly 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 shaft assembly with a new one.

INSPECTION PROCEDURE

1.Remove the steering column lower cover.

2.Loosen the steering shaft assembly upper mounting bolt (2 positions) for two turns.

3.Pinch the one-way capsule and move it up/down and left/right as shown in the figure. If there is a slack in either of the left and right one-way capsules, replace the steering shaft assembly with a new one.(Refer to

caution

Be careful that nothing is pinched between the one-way capsules and the body.
After the replacement or removal/installation of the steering shaft assembly, first tighten the mounting bolt in the one-way capsule to the specified torque.

4.When no abnormality is found after the check, temporarily tighten the steering shaft assembly mounting bolt by hand, and then tighten to the specified torque.
Tightening torque: 12 ± 2 N·m