Steering column

Simplified steering linkage:

1. Steering wheel
2. Steering column
3. Rack and pinion
4. Steering arm
5. Steering knuckle

1 steering wheel
2 case
3 Steering column (hidden by the case - blue dashed line)
4 Universal joint

The automotive steering column is a device intended primarily for connecting the steering wheel to the steering mechanism.

## Contents

* 1 Secondary functions
* 2 Steering lock
* 3 Collapsible column
* 4 Regulatory requirements
* 5 References

## Secondary functions

A steering column may also perform the following secondary functions:

* energy dissipation management in the event of a frontal collision;
* provide mounting for: the multi-function switch, column lock, column wiring, column shroud(s), transmission gear selector, gauges or other instruments as well as the electro motor and gear units found in EPAS and SbW systems;
* offer (height and/or length) adjustment to suit driver preference

## Steering lock

Modern vehicles are fitted with a steering lock which is an anti-theft device. It is fitted to the steering column usually below the steering wheel. The lock is combined with the ignition switch and engaged and disengaged either by a mechanical ignition key or electronically from the vehicles electronic control unit. These locks were introduced on many General Motors products in 1969 drastically reducing thefts of these GM models,[1] and on Ford, Chrysler, and AMC products in 1970.

## Collapsible column

A common device to enhance car safety is the collapsible steering column. This is designed to collapse in the event of a collision to protect the driver from harm. The column can collapse after impact with a tolerance ring inserted between the inner shaft of the steering column and the external housing. The wavelike protrusions on the circumference of the tolerance ring act as a spring to hold the two parts in place in normal driving conditions. At a specific level of force, for example in the event of a collision, the tolerance ring allows the inner shaft to slip inside the housing, so the column can collapse, absorbing energy from the impact.[2]

In virtually all modern vehicles, the lower section of the inner shaft is articulated with universal joints which helps control movement of the column in a frontal impact, and also gives engineers freedom in mounting the steering gear itself.

## Regulatory requirements

In the United States, steering columns are governed by several federal regulatory requirements, notably FMVSS 108, 114 and 208. The Chinese directive GB15740- 2006 obligates Chinese car manufacturers to incorporate anti-theft mechanisms in their vehicles.[3] European Union Commission Directive 95/56/EC (1995) mandates all cars exported to European markets must be fitted with anti-theft security devices. This regulation also requires that a steering lock must be able to withstand forces of 100Nm applied to the steering wheel without failing.[4]

## References

1. ↑ "The Popular Science Anti-Car-Theft Device Competition" Popular Science", July 1969, p.70.
2. ↑ "Collapsible Steering Column Relies on Tolerance Rings" (in en). http://machinedesign.com/news/collapsible-steering-column-relies-tolerance-rings.
3. ↑ "GB 15740-2006 English version, GB 15740-2006 Protective devices against unauthorized use of motor vehicles (English) - Code of China". Chinese Government. http://www.codeofchina.com/gb/comprehensive/31299.html.
4. ↑ "EUR-Lex - 31995L0056 - EN - EUR-Lex" (in en). http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:31995L0056:en:NOT.

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