5.1.2. Design of a steering column

Fig. 5.1. Design of a steering wheel and steering column: 1 – module of a safety cushion of the driver; 2 – steering wheel; 3 – nut of a steering wheel; 4 – a contact spiral and the combined switch; 5 – top facing steering columns; 6 – lower facing steering columns; 7 – steering column; 8 – the ignition switch with the anti-theft device; 9 – lower shaft of steering; 10 – cover of the elastic coupling of steering; 11 – top and lower connecting bolt; 12 – nut of fastening of a steering column; 13 – lower facing of a steering wheel; 14 – switch of control of the audio system; 15 – screw of the lower facing of a steering wheel

The two-pipe steering column except steering function in addition carries out three important tasks:

– at head-on collision the column is deformed and performs the power absorbing functions;

– on a column the lock of ignition and the anti-theft device is put;

– the anti-theft device provides blocking of inclusion of ignition and work of steering, interfering thus with stealing of the car.

In order that the column correctly performed the power absorbing functions, it is important that only regular elements of fastening were used (screws, bolts and nuts), and also that all of them were tightened by the nominal force of an inhaling.

At removal of a column from the car it is necessary to handle with it with care. Use of a stripper of a steering wheel, excellent from recommended in the present manual, or the inaccurate address can lead to breakage of plastic pins which provide the set length and the provision of a column.

Design of a steering wheel and module of an inflatable safety cushion of the driver

The module of a safety cushion of the driver is one of elements of an additional security system (an inflatable safety cushion) and is installed in the center of a steering wheel. At certain frontal collisions, the system of passive safety supplements action of a seat belt by expansion of inflatable safety cushions.

Fig. 5.2. Length of a steering column: 1 – steering column; 2 – lower shaft of steering

Measure distances of "a" and "b" if the measured distances there are less specified, replace a steering column assembled new (fig. 5.2).

"a": 558,5 ±1 mm.

"b": 62,7 mm.

"with": 276,3 ±0,8 mm.

Check hinges of a steering shaft and a shaft for existence of damages or excessive gaps.

At detection of defective parts replace a steering column assembled.

Check a steering shaft for smoothness of rotation.

At detection of defective parts replace a steering column assembled.

Check the lower shaft of steering and a steering column for existence of cracks or deformation.

At detection of defects replace.