Steering Shaft: Testing and Inspection

INTERMEDIATE SHAFT

The steering column intermediate shaft and its flexible universal joints must be inspected whenever any of the following conditions exist.

- After the vehicle has been involved in a collision which deploys the airbag, regardless of the extent of damage to the vehicle.
- After the vehicle has been involved in an undercarriage impact which results in any type of damage or bending of front suspension components or the frame of the vehicle.
- Under any conditions which result in the steering gear, steering column or steering column shaft receiving a force great enough to move the steering column or shaft forward or rearward in the vehicle.

Inspect the intermediate shaft and its flexible joints for any of the following conditions:

- Seized or binding bearings
- Loose bearing stakes
- Bearings not fully seated
- Shaft bent

Upon inspection, if any of the above conditions exist, replacement of the entire steering column intermediate shaft is necessary.