STEERING COLUMN SYSTEM


  1. CONSTRUCTION


    1. Manual Tilt and Telescopic Mechanism


      1. The tilt and telescopic mechanism consists mainly of the tilt and telescopic lever, column tube, column tube attachment, column tube bracket, breakaway bracket, and tilt and telescopic steering stopper.

      2. When the tilt and telescopic mechanism is in its locked state, the tilt and telescopic lever at the locked position causes the tilt and telescopic steering stopper to tighten the column tube attachment and column tube bracket. This secures the column tube, so movement in the tilt direction and in the telescopic direction is locked.

      3. When the tilt and telescopic mechanism is in its unlocked state, the tilt and telescopic lever at the unlocked position causes the tilt and telescopic steering stopper to loosen the column tube attachment and column tube bracket. This frees the column tube to move in the tilt direction and in the telescopic direction, enabling adjustment.

      4. The tilt adjustment range is 30 mm (1.18 in.).

      5. The telescopic adjustment range is 40 mm (1.57 in.).

        A0051B1E02
        Text in Illustration
        *1 Breakaway Bracket *2 Tilt and Telescopic Steering Stopper
        *3 Tilt and Telescopic Lever *4 Column Tube
        *a 40 mm (1.57 in.) *b 30 mm (1.18 in.)
        *c Unlocked Position *d Locked Position
        *e A-A Cross Section - -

    2. Energy Absorbing Mechanism


      1. The energy absorbing mechanism in the steering column assembly consists of a main shaft column tube and steering intermediate shaft.

      2. The steering column assembly is mounted on the instrument panel reinforcement. The steering column assembly and the steering gear assembly are connected with a contractile steering intermediate shaft.

      3. When the steering gear assembly moves during a collision (primary collision), the steering intermediate shaft contracts, thus helping reduce the possibility of the steering column assembly and the steering wheel assembly protruding into the cabin.

        A00518TE02
        Text in Illustration (Primary Collision:)
        *1 Steering Intermediate Shaft *2 Steering Column Assembly
        *3 Breakaway Bracket - -
        *a Before Primary Collision *b After Primary Collision
        A00515J Contract - -

      4. When a collision impact is transmitted to the steering wheel (secondary collision), the steering wheel and the driver's airbag help absorb the impact. In addition, the breakaway bracket separates, and the column tube contracts. At this time, the friction resistance of the sliding portion absorbs the energy. This sequential energy absorbing mechanism helps absorb the impact of the secondary collision.

        A00512YE02
        Text in Illustration (Secondary Collision:)
        *1 Capsule (Plastic) *2 Breakaway Bracket
        *3 Column Tube *4 Inner Tube
        *a Before Secondary Collision *b After Secondary Collision
        A00515J Contract - -

    3. Steering Wheel Assembly


      1. The steering shake damper is mounted to the steering wheel via a piece of rubber. This rubber mounting of the damper makes it possible for the vibration of the damper to cancel the vibration of the steering wheel assembly, thus improving driving comfort.

        A00517YE02
        Text in Illustration
        *1 Steering Shake Damper - -
        A0051E0 Vibration Direction - -