Collapsible Steering Columns: Description
Under head-on collision conditions, columns are designed to telescope at a controlled rate. If driver is thrown forward into steering wheel, column can telescope further at same controlled rate. Incorporated into columns is a two piece telescoping transmission gear shift tube interconnected by plastic inserts and shear pins, and a two piece telescoping steering shaft with upper and lower sections connected by plastic collars and pins. A mounting bracket connecting steering column and instrument panel, allows column to slide forward on impact, but blocks rearward movement towards driver.
NOTE:
On Omni and Horizon (Chrysler Corp.) the two piece universal jointed steering shaft and collapsible dished steering wheel provide driver protection in event of a collision.
CAUTION:
All elements of energy absorbing columns are sensitive to damage and must be handled with care to avoid stresses to the column which could shear or loosen the fasteners which provide column rigidity. It is imperative that only fasteners of the same or equivalent part number be used if replacement becomes necessary. Improper fasteners or non-specified torque values could result in failure of the unit.