Purpose/Function
The steering input force, generated when the driver operates the steering wheel, is transmitted to the steering gear.
Construction
The steering column and shaft consists of the steering column with a built-in EPS mechanism and the intermediate shaft.
As a result of impact absorbing mechanisms on the steering column and intermediate shaft, when a collision occurs, the steering shaft effectively absorbs the impact energy that would be transmitted to the driver, thereby reducing injury.
Due to the adoption of a tilt/telescope mechanism for the steering shaft on all vehicles, operability has been improved.

Operation
Based on the steering torque signal from the torque sensor and the vehicle speed and engine speed signals from the PCM, the EPS CM drives the EPS motor and transmits the assist torque to the intermediate shaft via the deceleration mechanism.
At the moment of a collision, when impact energy (first stage impact) is input from the vehicle front due to the rearward collapse of the steering gear, the intermediate shaft contracts to absorb the impact from the driver. (Section X in the figure)
When the body of the driver contacts the steering wheel (second stage impact), the fixing bracket comes off the dashboard member, and the upper shaft and the outer column slide forward. At this time, the impact absorption plate (one part secured to instrument panel member, another part to fixing bracket) deforms (area A shown in figure cracks) to absorb the impact to the driver. (Section Y in the figure)

The steering wheel can be moved in the up/down and forward/backward direction when the adjusting lever is pressed towards the front of the vehicle to release the lock of the tilt/telescope system.
The tilt/telescope mechanism has a movement range of 45 mm {1.8 in}
(tilt)/ 50 mm {2.0 in}
(telescope) and can be adjusted, without steps, to anywhere in this range.

Fail-safe
Function not equipped.
Wheel, Column
Steering Shaft InspectionSide Member Installation [Panel Replacement]
Symbol Mark
Installation Procedure
1. When installing new parts, measure and adjust the body as necessary to conform
with standard dimensions.
2. Drill holes for the plug welding before installing the new parts.
3. After temporarily installing new parts, make sure the related parts fit p ...
Driver Side Air Bag Module [Standard Deployment Control System]
Purpose
When the driver-side air bag module receives an impact from a frontal or
frontal offset collision, the operation (deployment) of the air bag mediates
the impact to the head and face of the driver.
Function
When the driver-side air bag module receives an impact from ...
Auto Leveling Sensor
Purpose
Detects the vehicle height and outputs it to the AFS control module.
Function
Changes the detected vehicle height into a voltage value and outputs it to
the AFS control module.
Construction
Installed to the rear cross member.
Consists of link No. 1 ...