Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Steering Column: Inspection
Inspect all components for damage and wear. Check steering shaft for bends, damage or sheared plastic pins. Check bearings for excessive play. Replace components as necessary. Measure length of steering shaft. See STEERING SHAFT DIMENSIONS table. See Fig 1 -Fig 4 .
| Application | Length - In. (mm) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Millenia | 21.83 (554.48) | ||
| MPV | 33.44-33.49 (849.38-850.65) | ||
| Protege | 31.40-31.51 (797.56-800.35) | ||
| 626 | 20.30-20.37 (515.62-517.40) | ||
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.