Steering Column
The body of a steering column is made of magnesium die castings. The steering column is attached to a support that is an integral part of the instrument panel. The lower attachments of the steering column are through a bracket that bends during collapse. The upper attachments are through plastic shear modules that separate from the main casting during collapse.
This vehicle is equipped with a deployable steering column. The deployable steering column includes a deployable device that, once deployed, reduces the amount of force necessary to collapse the steering column during a crash event. The deployable device is activated by the restraints control module (RCM) depending on when the module detects a crash event force exceeding a programmed limit and the position of the driver seat. After deployment, a new steering column must be installed. Refer to STEERING COLUMN .