Steering Wheel And Column Construction
This double tube type steering column has the following three important features in addition to the steering function:
- The column is energy absorbing, designed to compress in a front-end collision.
- The ignition switch and lock are mounted conveniently on this column.
- 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 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.
The driver air bag (inflator) module is one of the supplemental restraint (air bag) system components and is mounted to the center of the steering wheel.
During certain frontal crashes, the air bag system supplements the restraint of the driver's and passenger's seat belts by deploying the air bags. The air bag (inflator) module should be handled with care to prevent accidental deployment. When servicing, be sure to observe the following "WARNING". Refer to PRECAUTIONS ON HANDLING AND STORAGE OF AIR BAG SYSTEM in appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article.
- When handling an air bag (inflator) module, be sure to read PRECAUTIONS ON HANDLING AND STORAGE OF AIR BAG SYSTEM COMPONENTS in appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article, and observe each instruction. Failure to follow them could cause a damage to the air bag (inflator) module or result in personal injury.
- Special care is necessary when handling and storing a live (undeployed) air bag (inflator) module. Observe PRECAUTIONS ON HANDLING AND STORAGE OF AIR BAG SYSTEM in appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article. Otherwise, personal injury may result.
- Never disassemble air bag (inflator) module or measure its resistance. Otherwise, personal injury may result.
- Never rest a steering column assembly on the steering wheel with air bag (inflator) module face down and column vertical. Otherwise, personal injury may result.