Steering column links steering gear to steering wheel. In modern vehicles it has become an element of passive safety, as well as the place of attachment of various additional equipment. Steering column design
Steering column design
Originally, the steering column was a shaft with a certain number of joints in the skin. In general, despite significant changes in design, it has remained so far. Therefore, the main components of the steering structure are: mounting bushing; casing; top enclosure; fastening fastening gear; casing of the ignition switch; steering group; contact group; components of attachment-washers, bolts, springs, nuts, screws, etc.
The basis of the column is the steering shaft of the leather. It translates the steering wheel rotation to the turning engine. This provides direction and rotation of wheels. The steering shaft is generally made of high quality steel, which guarantees a long service life and facilitates service.
The steering column does not only provide driveability. It is often equipped with additional control details-direction indicators, radio buttons, wiper switches and windscreen washer.
In addition, modern car models use steering columns equipped with an energy-absorbing device.
In a frontal collision of a car with an obstacle, it gives the column an opportunity to deform-that is, the frontal impact of the steering column "folates". Due to this, the risk of severe injuries is greatly reduced for the driver.
Full performance of the power-absorbing functions of the steering column directly depends on the elements used in the steering. It is important that only the bolts, nuts, and screws that have been tightened with a nominal effort are used.
In addition, anti-theft devices are installed in the steering columns. They are designed to block the activation of the ignition and the steering shaft.
For drivers whose height is 190 cm and above, there is also a special mechanism to adjust the angle of its inclination.
Mechanical change of the steering column angle shall be made by means of the blocking handle. The best position shall be selected when the handgrip is lowered, but shall be fixed by a lift. Automatic adjustment of the steering column position shall be done by means of a switch, buttons and storage device.
Steering column failures
Since the steering column of modern vehicles is a functionally saturated node, it may have different malfunctions.
The noise or gaps in the column, the increase in the steering shaft or the movement of the steering wheel can be signalled.
Such problems may be caused by lack of greasing of the ball joints, weakening of the fixation elements or their incorrect installation, failure of the steering column or the improper installation of the intermediate shaft and its stem bolts.
In addition, the locking mechanisms, lock switches, ignition switch, and the wiper lever are also liable to malfunction.
It should be borne in mind that the steering column provides the driveability and, consequently, the safety of the driver. Therefore, if there is evidence of a malfunction, urgent action is required.
