Steering Wheel And Steering Column: Inspection: Notes

• When steering wheel does not turn smoothly, check the steering column as follows and replace damaged parts.
  • Check column bearings for damage or unevenness. Lubricate with recommended multi-purpose grease or replace steering column as an assembly, if necessary.
  • Check jacket tube for deformation or breakage. Replace if necessary.
• When the vehicle comes into a light collision, check length "L".
  • Steering column length "L": 542 - 544 mm 
    • (21.34 - 21.42 in) 
  Fig 1: Identifying Steering Column Length

  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

If out of specification, replace steering column as an assembly.