Steering Wheel and Column

The steering column includes three important features in addition to the steering function:
1. The column is energy absorbing, designed to compress in a front-end collision to lessen the chance of injury to the driver.
2. The ignition switch and lock are mounted on the column.
3. With the column-mounted lock, the ignition and steering operations can be locked to inhibit theft of the vehicle.

The column may easily be disassembled and reassembled. To ensure 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, take special care in handling it. The plastic fasteners which maintain column rigidity can be sheared or loosened by: using a steering wheel puller other than the one recommended; striking sharply on the end of the steering shaft-or shift lever; leaning on the assembly; dropping the assembly.