Steering Column Lock: Description and Operation

The steering shaft upper section has a torque limiting steering lock.

The version consists partly of a spring sleeve (3) that sits in a groove on the steering shaft. A steel sleeve (2) is pressed over the spring sleeve.

When the key is removed from the lock two locking lugs (1) latch onto the sprung sleeves and activate the lock.

The lock is activated and in all positions when the key is removed.

If the steering wheel is turned with force in an attempt to break the lock (in an attempt to steal the car for example) the torque of the action is transferred to the spring loaded bushings. The result is that the wheel can be turned but only under very high friction. The force on the lock is therefore less and damage to the steering lock is avoided.





Illustrations 1-5 display the steering wheel lock in different positions. Position 1 displays the driving position and positions 2-5 displays the lock activated.