STEERING COLUMN SYSTEM


  1. CONSTRUCTION


    1. The steering intermediate shaft and electric power steering column sub-assembly each contain an energy absorbing mechanism.

  2. OPERATION


    1. Primary Collision


      1. The steering intermediate shaft assembly contracts during a primary collision (vehicle to another object) to reduce the possibility of the electric power steering column sub-assembly and the steering wheel assembly protruding further into the cabin.

        A01R2BOC01
        *1 Steering Intermediate Shaft Assembly - -
        *a Before Collision *b After Collision
        B00807K Contract - -

    2. Secondary Collision


      1. The column tube of the electric power steering column sub-assembly contracts during a secondary collision (driver and vehicle) in order to absorb impact. The column tube is of double tube construction with the 2 tubes connected via a tolerance ring. As the column tube contracts, the inner tube is pushed out of the tolerance ring and further into the outer tube, generating friction and absorbing the impact.

        A01R202C01
        *1 Electric Power Steering Column Sub-assembly *2 Tolerance Ring
        *a Before Collision *b After Collision
        *c Column Tube Cross Section *d Sliding Stroke