Steering Shaft: Description and Operation

STEERING SHAFT AND COLUMN





For the steering column, an impact absorbing mechanism which absorbs impact energy in the a event of a collision as well as a tilt steering mechanism which enables the driver to obtain an optimum driving position have been adopted.
The tilt steering mechanism is essentially the same as the conventional one.

SHOCK ABSORBING MECHANISM
Primary impact





When the vehicle collides with something and there is a load added to the shaft sub assembly from the gearbox, the shaft sub assembly slides above the pipe sub assembly to absorb tie shock load. This prevents the steering column from moving backwards during the impact.

Secondary impact





1. When the driver's body falls against the developed air bag, the tilt bracket (A) moves forwards by crushing the polyacetal resin, causing the steering column assembly to move into the engine compartment.





2. As the bracket brakes free, the clevis pin comes out of the U-section groove in the tilt plate, allowing the steering column assembly to move forward.