What is a Steering Column Adjust Motor?
Many vehicles use electronic controls to adjust the position of the steering wheel for driver comfort. This replaces the manual steering wheel adjustment levers that are still commonly used. In vehicles with these controls, the adjustments to the steering wheel position is made by the steering column adjust motor, which allows the steering column to move in and out or up and down. There may be up to two steering column control motors per vehicle.
How do Steering Column Adjust Motors work?
Much like the power windows or power sunroof in a vehicle, electronically positioned steering columns always rest inside of a track. When the button is pressed to move the steering wheel in one of four directions, a control module will recognize the input and cause one of the steering column adjust motors to turn. When turning, a toothed gear will engage the movable portion of the steering column, and cause it to move along its track in one single direction. This is even more similar to power seat adjustment.
What are the symptoms of a bad Steering Column Adjust Motor?
When one of the steering column adjust motors fail, the steering column will fail to move in one or two directions, or may require some assistance to move the steering wheel when the switch is pressed. Also, in some cases, a grinding noise may be heard when attempting to adjust the steering wheel position. This would indicate the steering column adjust motor shaft has separated from the gear, or the toothed gear has been stripped out.
Can I drive with a bad Steering Column Adjust Motor?
If the steering wheel is at a comfortable position for all drivers, this never needs to be repaired. It is purely a creature comfort feature unless one driver cannot physically operate the vehicle in the current configuration. If one or more drivers are unable to safely operate and maintain control of the vehicle with the steering wheel in its current position, they should refrain from driving the vehicle until the repair can be made.