Inspection [03/2019 - ]: Procedure

NOTES ON REPLACEMENT OF STEERING COLUMN AND STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY FOLLOWING ACCIDENT DAMAGE
1. In the event of accidents or driving conditions similar to accidents, shock-like loads can cause different types of damage to the steering intermediate shaft assembly and steering column. In case no external damaged of the steering column and the steering intermediate shaft assembly can be noticed, it is sometimes only possible to identify damage with great difficulty and with great effort.
PROCEDURE FOR STEERING COLUMN AND STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY
1. The steering column and steering intermediate shaft assembly must be renewed if one or more of the following points apply.
  1. Visible or noticeable damage, deformation or breakage of the steering column or steering intermediate shaft assembly
  2. Damage, permanent deformation or breakages on tie rod end sub-assemblies
  3. Unacceptable torque increase and jamming when the steering column is cranked from limit position to limit position (without electrical assistance)
2. Positive check for activated crash system of the steering column
  HINT:
  
  If no damage is visible on the steering column, mechanical steering columns must be checked for an activated crash system.
  1. Open steering column lock
  2. Pull steering wheel out towards the driver (towards the body) until the physical limit position is reached, but do not use excessive force
  3. Push steering wheel towards engine compartment (approx. 20 to 30 mm (0.79 to 1.18 in.) away from body) into the comfort position and lock
    HINT:
    
    If no end stop is present when pulling out the steering column or the gaiter of the steering column shroud has tension, the crash system has activated and the steering column is to be renewed.