Sebring Sedan L4-2.4L VIN J (2004)
Steering Shaft: Testing and Inspection
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT
The steering column intermediate shaft and its universal joint couplers (Fig. 1) must be inspected whenever any of the following conditions exist:
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After the vehicle has been involved in a collision which deploys the airbag, regardless of the extent of damage done to the vehicle.
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After the vehicle has been involved in an undercarriage impact which results in any type of damage to the front suspension crossmember.
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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:
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seized or binding bearings
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loose bearing stakes
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bearings not fully seated in the coupler yoke
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bent intermediate shaft
Presence of any of the above faulty conditions call for replacement of the entire steering column intermediate shaft.
