STEERING SHAFT AND COLUMN

• To improve the feeling of steering (reduction of torque fluctuation) covering the whole tilting range, the steering column layout has been optimised by focusing the tilting function.
  
• Tilt steering mechanism that the desired driving position is obtained has been employed on all models (Tilt-up amount: 20mm/Tilt-down amount: 25mm).
  
• To reduce the separation load during a collision, the sliding resistance reduction member has been installed to the column bracket.
  

If the vehicle is involved in a crash and impact energy is transmitted to the lower shaft from the gearbox side, the intermediate shaft (A) will be pushed into intermediate shaft (B) to absorb impact energy. Thus, the steering column will not be projected into the passenger compartment.

When the driver’s body falls against the steering wheel via the deployed air bag, the column bracket moves forward by deforming the rivet pin of the one-way capsule, and simultaneously the steering column assembly frees from the pin of column bracket to move forward and downwards.