Steering Column: Overview

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 upper and lower steering column shaft connections utilize U-joint type couplings.

Vehicles with the manual tilt and, if equipped, telescopic steering column are controlled by a mechanical lever on the underside of the steering column to lock and unlock the steering column. When the lever is pulled down, the steering column can be adjusted up/down and in/out (if equipped) to the desired position. While holding the steering wheel in the desired position, pulling the lever up to its original position locks the steering column.

Vehicles with the power tilt/telescopic steering column are controlled by operating the steering column control switch, using the steering column tilt/telescopic motors to achieve the desired steering column position. The steering column can be adjusted up or down and in or out to the desired position. The power tilt/telescopic steering column is also part of the driver memory feature, positioning the seat, column and mirrors to programmed positions.