Steering Wheel & Column: Diagnosis Suzuki Vitara I

DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION AND PROCEDURES

1. Air Bag Steering Wheel And Column Symptom Diagnosis. For diagnosis of the steering wheel and steering column, refer to «STEERING SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS»(/suzuki/vitara/i-1988-2006/remont/manual-power-steering/#steering) , Steering General Diagnosis.
2. For diagnosis of the air bag system, refer to «AIR BAG DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK»(ref-160470-S26961995002004021000000), Air Bag Restraint Systems.
3. Air Bag Steering Wheel And Column Inspection And Repair Required After Accident. After accident, whether the air bag has been deployed or not, be sure to checks, inspections and repairs described under «CHECKING STEERING COLUMN FOR ACCIDENT DAMAGE»(ref-183959-S26905958302005081900000).
4. Diagnosis and Servicing of Air Bag Steering Wheel and Column. For diagnosis and servicing, refer to «PRECAUTIONS ON SERVICE AND DIAGNOSIS OF AIR BAG SYSTEM»(ref-160470-S40138628802005081900000), Air Bag Restraint Systems.

CONTACT COIL AND COMBINATION SWITCH ASSEMBLY INSPECTION

Check contact coil and combination switch wire harness for any signs of scorching, melting or other damage. If it is damaged, replace.

Scheme 1

STEERING COLUMN INSPECTION

Note. Vehicles involved in accidents resulting in body damage, where steering column has been impacted or air bag deployed, may have a damaged or misaligned steering column.

Scheme 2

Scheme 3

Scheme 4

1. Check that two capsules (1) are attached to steering column bracket (2) securely. Check clearance between capsules (1) and steering column bracket (2). Clearance should be 0.0 mm (0.0 in.) on both sides. If found loose or clearance, replace steering column assembly.
2. Check two plates (3) for any damages such as crack or breakage. If anything is found faulty, replace as steering column assembly.
3. Take measurement "a" as shown. If it is shorter than specified length, replace column assembly with new one. Steering column assembly length "a": 895 +/- 0.8 mm (35.24 +/- 0.03 in.)
4. Check steering column lower seal (1) for breakage or deformation. If found defective, replace.
5. Check steering shaft joints and shaft for any damages such as crack, breakage, malfunction or excessive play. If anything is found faulty, replace as steering shaft lower assembly or steering column assembly.
6. Check steering shaft for smooth rotation. If found defective, replace as column assembly.
7. Check steering shaft and column for bend, cracks or deformation. If found defective, replace as column assembly.

Scheme 5

1. Remove steering column assembly, refer to «REMOVAL»(ref-183959-S36797113432005081900000).
2. Using center punch (with sharp point)(1) as shown in the figure, loosen and remove steering lock mounting bolts (2). NOTE: Use care not to damage aluminum part of steering lock body (3) with center punch (1).
3. Turn ignition key to "ACC" or "ON" position and remove steering lock assembly (3) from steering column assembly (4).

Scheme 6

Scheme 7

1. Position oblong hole of steering shaft (2) in the center of hole in steering column assembly (1).
2. Turn ignition key to "ACC" or "ON" position and install steering lock assembly onto column.
3. Now turn ignition key to "LOCK" position and pull it out.
4. Align hub on lock with oblong hole of steering shaft and rotate shaft to assure that steering shaft is locked.
5. Tighten new bolts until head of each bolt is broken off.
6. Turn ignition key to "ACC" or "ON" position and check to be sure that steering shaft rotates smoothly. Also check for lock operation.
7. Install steering column, refer to «INSTALLATION»(ref-183959-S36942150922005081900000).

ADJUSTABLE STEERING COLUMN RELEASE LEVER INSPECTION

Check to make sure that the followings

Scheme 8

1. Steering column (1) moves smoothly when adjustable steering column release lever is at lower position (2) (i.e., steering column is not locked).
2. Steering column (1) is fixed securely when adjustable steering column release lever is at upper position (3) (i.e., steering column is locked).

See also:
• STEERING SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS