Diagnosis And Testing - Steering Column Lower Coupling: Notes

The steering column coupling must be inspected whenever a vehicle is involved in an impact or whenever any of the following conditions exist:

• Whenever a vehicle is involved in a collision which deploys the air bag, regardless of the extent of damage done to the vehicle.
• If a vehicle is involved in an impact of the vehicles front suspension or under carriage, which results in any type of damage to the front suspension crossmember.
• Under any conditions which result in the steering column assembly or steering column shaft receiving a force great enough to move the steering column or shaft forward or rearward in a vehicle.