Steering Column

Steering Column

The steering column system consists of the following components:

- Steering wheel
- Steering column
- Upper and lower steering column shafts
- Steering column switches
- Ignition lock cylinder

The steering column is the mechanical linkage between the steering wheel and the steering gear. It contains various switches and is able to tilt to suit driver preference. The steering wheel is mounted to a shaft which passes through the center of the steering column to the upper steering shaft. The upper steering shaft then connects to the lower steering shaft, which is connected to the steering gear. The upper and lower connections utilize U-joint type knuckles. The steering shaft is centered by roller ball bearings within the steering column. The tilt function of the steering column is controlled by a mechanical lever on the underside of the steering column, which uses a cam to lock and unlock the steering column. When the tilt column lever is unlocked, the steering column can then be adjusted to various positions. The steering column switches (multifunction and ignition) are mounted to the steering column. These switches are covered by the upper and lower steering column shrouds.

NOTE: If the deployable steering column electrical connector becomes damaged or the deployable steering column has deployed, a new overlay wiring harness must be installed. Make sure to follow the installation instructions that are included in the service kit.

This vehicle is equipped with a deployable steering column. The deployable steering column includes a deployable device that, once deployed, reduces the amount of force necessary to collapse the steering column during a crash event. The deployable device is activated by the Restraints Control Module (RCM) depending on when the module detects a crash event force exceeding a programmed limit and the position of the driver seat. After deployment, a new steering column must be installed. Refer to Steering Column Steering Column.