On-Vehicle Service (All Models); Inspection - GMC G Service Manual

ON-VEHICLE SERVICE (ALL MODELS)

INSPECTION

SHIFTER SHAFT
Separation of the shifter shaft sections will be internal
and cannot be visually identified. Hold the lower end of the
shifter shaft and move the shift lever on the column through
its ranges and up and down. If there is little or no movement
of the shifter shaft, the plastic joints are sheared.
STEERING SHAFT
If the steering shaft plastic pins have been sheared, the
shaft will rattle when struck lightly from the side and some
lash may be felt when rotating the steering wheel while
holding the rag joint. If the steering shaft pins are sheared
due to minor collision without serious damage to other com­
ponents, the vehicle can be safely steered; however, steer­
ing shaft replacement is recommended.
COLUMN JACKET
Inspect the jacket section of the column for looseness
and/or bends.
COLUMN SUPPORT BRACKET
Damage in this area will be indicated by separation of
the mounting capsules from the bracket. The bracket will
have moved forward toward the engine compartment and
will usually result in collapsing of the jacket section of the
steering column.
STEERING COLUMN FOR ACCIDENT DAMAGE
NOTICE: Vehicles involved in accidents result­
ing In frame damage, major body or sheet metal
damage, or where the steering column has been
impacted may also have a damaged or mis­
aligned steering column.
Inspect (Figures 1 through 3)
1
Capsules on the steering column bracket assembly.
.
The capsules must be within 1.59 mm (1/16-inch)
from the bottom of the slots (figure 1). If not, the
bracket should be replaced.
Contact surface (figure 1). The bolt head must not
2
.
contact surface "B" or the shear load will be
increased. If contact is made, replace the bracket.
Shift lever operation on vehicles with automatic trans­
3.
mission and column shift. If the shift lever is able to
move to the "Park" position without raising the lever,
the upper shift tube plastic bearing is broken.
Jacket collapse. Measure the jacket collapse dimen­
4.
sions, depending on the vehicle and steering column,
in any of the following ways (figure 2):
• Measure from the end of the bearing assembly
to the lower edge of the upper jacket (C).
STEERING COLUMN 3B4-9
• Measure from the collar on the toe plate flange
to the lower edge of the upper jacket (E, G and
H).
• Measure from the edge of the back-up switch
window to the lower edge of the upper jacket (D,
F and J).
If the jacket dimensions are not within specifica­
tions, a new jacket must be installed.
• Visually inspect for sheared injected plastic in the
shift tube and the steering shaft (figure 3). If either
one or both are sheared, replace with new parts.
5. Any frame damage that could cause a bent steering
shaft must have the steering shaft runout checked in
the following manner: Remove intermediate shaft.
Hold a ruler against the lower end of steering shaft
and have an assistant turn the steering wheel. The
runout must not exceed 1.59 mm (1/16-inch). A dial
indicator may be used instead of a ruler.
A. Capsules must be within 1.59 mm (Vie")
from bottom of slots. If not, replace bracket
assembly.
B. The bolt head must not contact surface
" B." If contact is made, the capsule shear
load will be increased— Replace bracket.
Figure 1 —■ Steering Column Collapse Inspection
1 /
^ B
B-07380