Diagnosis And Testing - Steering Column Intermediate Shaft

The steering column intermediate shaft and its universal joint couplers must be inspected whenever any of the following conditions exist: See Figure.

1. After the vehicle has been involved in a collision which deploys the airbag, regardless of the extent of damage done to the vehicle.
2. After the vehicle has been involved in an undercarriage impact which results in any type of damage to the front suspension crossmember.
3. 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 of rearward in a vehicle.

Inspect the intermediate shaft and its universal joint couplers for any of the following conditions:

1. seized or binding bearings
2. loose bearing stakes
3. bearings not fully seated in the coupler yoke
4. bent intermediate shaft

Presence of any of the above faulty conditions call for replacement of the entire steering column intermediate shaft.