Steering Column

The steering column system consists of the following components:

• Steering wheel
• Steering column
• Steering column shaft
• Steering column switches

The steering column is the mechanical linkage between the steering wheel and the steering gear. The steering wheel is mounted to a shaft, which passes through the center of the steering column. The shaft is centered by bearings within the steering column. The steering column shaft then connects the steering column to the steering gear. The steering column shaft utilizes U-joint type couplings. The tilt/telescope function of the steering column is controlled by a mechanical lever on the underside of the steering column. When the tilt/telescope column lever is unlocked, the steering column can then be adjusted in 4 directions:

• Forward/in (away from the driver)
• Rearward/out (toward driver)
• Up
• Down

The steering column switches (multifunction and ignition) are mounted to the steering column. These switches are covered by the upper and lower steering column shrouds. For steering column switch service information, refer to STEERING COLUMN SWITCHES .