Assessing Steering Column After Accident Damage for Cayenne Turbo (9PA) V8-48L Turbo (2008)
Steering Gear: Testing and Inspection
Assessment of Steering Column After Accident Damage
WM 4800IN Assessment of steering column after accident damage
Information
Overview of steering column
Overview of steering column
Fundamentals
Various kinds of damage can be caused to steering columns in the event of accidents or driving conditions similar to accidents. In cases where the
steering column shows no external damage it can be difficult to detect damage. This damage represents an unacceptable risk for the vehicle, since it
could lead to failure of the steering system.
To decide whether the steering column of a vehicle involved in an accident must be replaced or may continue to be used, the following guidelines are
helpful.
Assessment of the steering column of a vehicle involved in an accident
The steering column may remain in the vehicle if all the following conditions are met:
No visible damage (breakage, cracks, deformation) to such front-axle parts as steering arms, steering gear, steering column mountings, steering wheel
and airbag unit, wheel rims, wheel bearing housing (wheel carriers), tie rods, steering shaft or to the points on the body where wheel suspension parts
are bolted on.
No impermissible rise in torque and no jamming or catching when the steering gear is turned from stop to stop. When the steering is turned, the front
wheels must be free (front axle raised) and, in addition, the engine must be switched off (pump of power steering undriven).
The steering column does not catch/jam when turned separately without steering gear.
No axial play in the steering column.
The steering column must be replaced by a new or exchange unit if one of the following points applies:
Impact is felt by occupants.
Airbag has been triggered.
The carriage-to-console gap dimension is greater than 0.5 mm.