Steering Column: Description and Operation

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This double tube type steering column has following three important features in addition to the steering function:
1. The column is energy absorbing, designed to compress in a front-end collision.
2. The ignition switch and lock are mounted conveniently on this column.
3. With the column mounted lock, the ignition and steering operations can be locked to inhibit theft of the vehicle.

To insure the energy absorbing action, it is important that only the specified screws, bolts, and nuts be used as designated and that they are tightened to the specified torque.

When the column assembly is removed from the vehicle, special care must be taken in handling it. Use of a steering wheel puller other than the one recommended in this manual or a sharp blow on the end of the steering shaft, leaning on the assembly, or dropping the assembly could shear the plastic shear pins which maintain column length and position.