GMC 1982 Light Duty Truck Service Manual page 311

C A U T IO N : Use only the specified screw s
since over-length screw s could prevent a
portion of the
com pressing under impact, w hich could
result in personal injury.
3. Reinstall the steering column assembly following
the "Mandatory Installation Sequence" outlined later in this
section.
S T E E R IN G C O L U M N
To perform service procedures on the steering column
upper end components, it is not necessary to remove the
column from the vehicle.
The steering wheel, horn components, directional
signal switch, and ignition lock cylinder may be removed
with the column remaining in the vehicle as described
earlier in this section.
C A U T IO N : The outer m ast jacket shift
tube, steering shaft and instrum ent panel
mounting bracket are designed as energy
absorbing units. Because of the design of
these components,
necessary to handle the column w ith care
w hen performing any service operation.
Avoid hammering, jarring, dropping or
leaning on any portion of the column.
W hen reassem bling
components, use
screws, nuts and bolts and tighten to
specified torque.
exercised in using over-length screw s or
bolts as they m ay prevent a portion of the
column from com pressing under impact.
In s p e c t io n
To determine if the energy absorbing steering column
components are functioning as designed, or if repairs are
required, a close inspection should be made. Inspection is
called for in all cases where damage is evident or whenever
the vehicle is being repaired due to a front end collision.
Whenever a force has been exerted on the steering wheel or
steering column, or its components, inspection should also
be made. If damage is evident, the affected parts must be
replaced.
The inspection procedure for the various steering
column components on all C and K Series Trucks is as
follows:
C o lum n S u p p o rt B ra c k e t
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.
C olum n J a c k e t
Inspect jacket section of column for looseness, and/or
bends.
S h ifte r S h a ft
Separation of the shifter shaft sections will be internal
and cannot be visually identified. Hold lower end of the
"shifter shaft" and move "shift lever" on column through
its ranges and up and down. If there is little or no movement
assem bly from
it is absolutely
the column
only the specified
Care should be
STEERING COLUMNS
Fig. 3 B 4 -3 3 --A u to m a tic T ra n s m is s io n In d ic a to r C o n n e c tio n -
C K -T y p ic a l
of the "shifter shaft", the plastic joints are sheared.
S te e rin g S h a ft
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. It should be noted that if the steering
shaft pins are sheared due to minor collision the vehicle can
be safely steered; however, steering shaft replacement is
recommended.
Because of the differences in the steering column types,
be sure to refer to the set of instructions below which apply
to the column being serviced.
3B4-23