Steering Column

The steering column components include the steering wheel, the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) inflator module, which also functions as a horn pad, the steering column, and mounting brackets. The steering column includes three important features in addition to the steering function.
1. The steering column is designed to absorb energy by compressing in a front-end collision to minimize the possibility of injury to the driver of the vehicle.
2. The steering column provides a convenient location for the ignition switch and lock and the multifunction switch.
3. With the column-mounted lock; the ignition and steering operations can be locked to inhibit theft of the vehicle.
The steering column may be disassembled and assembled. To ensure the energy absorbing action, it is important that the specified screws, bolts, and nuts be used only as designated and that they are tightened to the specified torque. Apply a thin coat of lithium grease to all friction points during assembly of the steering column components.
When the steering column is removed from the vehicle, actions such as a sharp blow on the end of the steering shaft, leaning on the column assembly, or dropping the assembly could shear or loosen the plastic fasteners that maintain steering column rigidity.