Diagnosis And Testing - Steering Column

The two steering column bracket halves are riveted together above the steering column with raised locator pads under the rivets (when viewed from the top). These rivets and locator pads can help determine if column has been compromised. If the steering column has collapsed, the rivets will slide down the slotted upper half of the bracket with the steering column. A collapse may occur with the tube housing moving into the rear bracket assembly OR the tube may move inside the tube housing. Typically if a collapse happens, the rivets/locator pads should indicate damage. However, if any  of the following steps indicate a collapse, the steering column will still need replacement.

Fig 1: Retaining Screws And Steering Column Opening Cover Reinforcement

Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

1. Grasp the steering wheel at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions, and again at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions and attempt to rock the steering wheel back and forth and up and down. If there is excessive movement or an audible clunking or grinding sound, replace the steering column. Refer to COLUMN, REMOVAL .
2. Remove the steering column opening cover, and if equipped, remove the retaining screws (1) and the steering column opening cover reinforcement (2).
   Fig 2: Shroud Removal/Install

   Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
3. Remove screws from the lower column shroud (2) and remove both the upper and lower shrouds.
   Fig 3: Vertical Front Steering Column Mounting Bolts

   Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
4. Remove the rear steering column mounting bolts (2).
   NOTE:

   This illustration shows two vertical front steering column mounting bolts (3). Some steering column mounting brackets may have only one vertical mounting bolt in this position and another horizontal bolt. The horizontal bolt does not need to be loosened for this procedure.

5. Loosen the front steering column retaining bolts/nuts (3) several turns, but do not remove.
   Fig 4: Rivets And Locator Pads

   Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
   NOTE:

   A steering column which is in good condition (4) will have the rivets (2) centered on the raised locator pads (3). When a steering column is compromised (1), the rivets (2) should be moved off the locator pads (3).

   Fig 5: Steering Column, Rivets, & Locator Pads

   Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
6. Move the steering column assembly (1) down to view the rivets (2) in the top of the bracket (between instrument cluster and steering column). Verify that the rivets (2) have not moved off center of the locator pads (3). If the rivets (2) have moved, replace the steering column. Refer to COLUMN, REMOVAL .
   Fig 6: Steering Column Housing Tube And Splined Shaft

   Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
7. Remove the clockspring. Refer to CLOCKSPRING, REMOVAL .
8. Measure the distance from the edge of the steering column housing tube (1) to the edge of the splined shaft (2). If the measurement (3) is less than 40 mm (1.574 in.), replace the steering column. Refer to COLUMN, REMOVAL .
9. If the steering column passes all tests and measurements above, the steering column is not collapsed and should not need to be replaced.