The Steering column Repair Guide covers in detail the numerous stages involved in a steering column repair. It helps to ensure that you ask the right questions of your local workshop or garage when you require a steering column repair.
Diagnosing Play and Tilt-Lock Faults
This type of inspection is done by having the technician rock the steering wheel back and forth as if they were driving. This checks for free play in the system or ‘play’ prior to the wheels resisting any further movement. A faulty tilt lock can also be detected in this manner. The lock could be ‘free’ meaning it does not hold the column in place when pushed up or it could be ‘stuck’ meaning it will not release when pushed down. Both cases are likely to be due to worn detent balls and springs in the detent mechanism or a damaged adjuster plate.
Stripping and Inspecting the Shaft
The outer tube is then removed from the steering column to reveal the shaft, bearings and other components. Pitted or dry bearings are replaced as required, bent or twisted shafts are not repaired and are replaced with new.
Replacing Universal Joints and Couplings
The universal joints are removed from the steering column by pressing or unscrewing in reverse order of installation. New universal joints are installed in the reverse order of the old ones to maintain proper steering geometry.
Repairing the Collapsible Section
The collapsible section is a critical safety feature on the steering column that is designed to absorb impact in the case of a frontal collision. The section is designed to collapse, rather than to transfer force of the collision to the driver. Due to its design, the section is not suitable for repair by welding or other means. Should the section become damaged in any way, the part will need to be fully replaced in order to restore the vehicle to safe working order. The requirement for the collapsible section in crash safety rating tests for frontal impacts is for the section to collapse in a predictable and controlled manner.
Refitting and Setting Reach and Rake
Re-assemble the steering column and set the reach and the rake to the manufacturer’s recommended settings. Then lock down the column using the specified torque value on the clamps.
Road Test for Feel and Noise
You have to test drive the car. Go for a short spin to check the steering feels as precise as when it was new. The wheel should return to the central position automatically and there should be no noise or resistance when turning the wheel. If there is any sign of either of these problems then send the car back to the workshop for further investigation and repair.
A properly repaired steering column should feel and function the same as a brand new one with no feeling of vagueness or other unusual noises while operating the vehicle.