Pontiac Fiero 1988 Service Manual page 184

STEERING WHEELS AND COLUMNS 3B4-15
CHECKING STEERING COLUMN - FOR ACCIDENT
DAMAGE
NOTICE: Vehicles involved in accidents resulting in
major body or sheet metal damage, or where the steering
column has been impacted may also have a damaged or
misaligned steering column.
C H E C K I N G P R O C E D U R E
1. Check capsules on steering column bracket
assembly; all should be
within
1.59mm
(1/16*)
from the
bottom of the slots (View A). If not, bracket or jacket
should be replaced.
2. Check contact surface "A" (View B). The bolthead
must not contact surface " A " or shear load would be
increased. If contact is made, replace bracket or jacket.
3. On cars with column shift, check operation of the
shift lever. If you are able to move lever to "Park" position
without raising lever, it is an indication that the upper shift
tube plastic bearing is broken.
4. Check for jacket collapse by measuring as shown
in view C. If jacket dimensions are not within specifications
a NEW jacket must be installed. Visually inspect for sheared
injected plastic in the shift tube (View D), and the steenng
shaft (View E). If either one, or both are sheared replace
with NEW parts.
5. Check for broken plastic bearing adapter at lower
end of steering shaft. If adapter is cracked or broken, it must
be replaced.
6. Any vehicle damage that could cause a bent steering
shaft must have steering shaft runout checked in the
following mariner: Remove intermediate shaft. Hold ruler
against lower end of steering shaft and have steering wheel
rotated. Runout must not exceed 1.59mm (1/16 ). Dial
indicator may be used instead of a ruler.
NOTICE: This check cannot be made if the bearing
adapter or bushing assembly is broken.
Capsules must be w i t h i n 1.59mm (1/16 ) from b o t t o m of slots.
If not, replace braeket or jacket assembly.
View A
The bolt head must not contact surface " A " . If contact is made,
the capsule shear load will be increased—replace bracket or
jacket assembly.
r*?—7^
View B
Check for sheared injected plastic at these locations.
i
o
2
View D
Check for sheared injected plastic at these locations.
1
View E
MEASURE FROM EDGE
OF LOWER JACKET TO
EDGE OF UPPER JACKET
1 2 8 t o 1 3 0 m m
4 - 3 1 / 3 2 " t o 5 - 3 / 3 2 "
n
V i e w C
KJ
520043-3B4
Fig. 1 8 Checking Steering Column for Accident Damage