Steering Column - Overview. Description and Operation

Steering Column Overview

The power steering column system consists of the following components:

• Steering Column
• Upper and lower steering column shrouds
• Tilt and telescoping motors
• Steering Column Control Switch
• SCCM
• DSM

The steering column is the mechanical link between the steering wheel and the steering gear. The steering wheel is attached to a shaft that runs through the center of the steering column to the intermediate shaft, which connects to the steering gear. The intermediate shaft and both steering column shafts use maintenance-free universal joints.

Vehicles with a manual tilt/telescoping steering column are equipped with a mechanical lever on the underside of the steering column to lock and unlock the steering column. When the lever is lowered, the steering column can be adjusted up or down and in or out to the desired position. While holding the steering wheel in the desired position, pull the lever back to its original position to lock the steering column.

Vehicles with a power tilt/telescoping steering column are controlled by the steering column control switch, which uses the steering column tilt and telescoping motors to achieve the desired steering column position. The steering column is adjusted up or down and in or out to the desired position. The power tilt/telescoping steering column is also part of the driver memory seat, column and mirror function, which returns the steering column to programmed positions.