Cobalt L4-2.2L (2008)
Repairs and Inspections Required After a Collision: Service and Repair
Steering Column
Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection
Inspection
This vehicle is equipped with electric power steering (EPS), with the electric motor and torque sensor mounted on the steering column. When involved in
an accident resulting in sheet metal damage or driver-side air bag deployment, the steering column must be inspected for both electrical system integrity
and steering column collapse. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle See: Testing and Inspection/Initial Inspection and Diagnostic
Overview/Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle .
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If either measurement is not within specifications, the complete steering column assembly must be replaced. Refer to Steering Column
Replacement (See: Steering and Suspension/Steering/Steering Column/Service and Repair/Steering Column Replacement) .
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Road test the vehicle whenever any steering system repairs or diagnostics have been performed.
Electric Power Steering (EPS) Inspection
1. Install a scan tool.
2. Start the engine.
Important: After centering the steering wheel, remove hands and other objects from the steering wheel. Ensure the suspension is relaxed
and that no bias, or uneven force is being applied to the steering system.
3. Turn the steering wheel 90 degrees to the left, then 90 degrees to the right, then return the steering wheel to center.
4. Using the scan tool, observe the Torque Sensor Main data parameter in the EPS data list. Correct parameter range for the torque sensor is <+ or - 1
N.m (0.7 lb ft).
5. If the value is greater than the specified range then replace the steering column assembly. Refer to Steering Column Replacement (See: Steering
and Suspension/Steering/Steering Column/Service and Repair/Steering Column Replacement) .
Collapse Measurement
A vehicle involved in an accident resulting in sheet metal damage or drivers-side air bag deployment will require an inspection for steering column
collapse. If the steering column collapse measurement is greater than 3 mm than the steering column assembly must be replaced.
For steering column collapse measurement, use the following procedure:
1. Remove the steering column trim covers. Refer to Steering Column Trim Covers Replacement (See: Steering and Suspension/Steering/Steering
Column/Service and Repair/Steering Column Trim Covers Replacement) .
