Proceedure for steering column and steering shaft

The steering column and steering shaft must be replaced if one or more of the following points apply:

• Visible or noticeable damage, deformation or breakage of the steering column or steering shaft
• Damage, permanent deformation or breakage of the track rod
• Unacceptable torque increase and jamming when the steering column is cranked from limit position to limit position (without hydraulic/electrical assistance)
• Permissible tolerances exceeded after wheel adjustment and wheel alignment (include alignment record with invoice/report if necessary)

Positive check for activated crash system of the steering column: 

• If no damage is visible on the steering column, the mechanical steering column must be checked for an activated crash system:
  1. Open steering column lock
  2. Pull steering wheel out towards the driver (towards the body) until the physical limit position is reached, but do not use excessive force
  3. Push steering wheel towards engine compartment (approx. 20-30 mm away from body) into the comfort position and lock

If no end stop is present when pulling out the steering column or the gaiter of the steering column shroud has tension, the crash system has activated and the steering column is to be replaced.