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 InspectionTires
For reasons of proper performance, safety, and better fuel economy, always maintain
recommended tire inflation pressures and stay within the recommended load limits
and weight distribution.
WARNING
Using Different Tire Types:
Driving your vehicle with different types of tires is dangerous. It ...
Seat Track Position Sensor Removal/Installation [Two Step Deployment Control
System]
1. Switch the ignition to off.
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable and wait for 1min or more..
3. Remove the front driver’s seat..
4. Disconnect the connector from the seat track position sensor by pressing the
connector tab and pulling out the lock lever in the direction of the arro ...
Clock Spring Removal/Installation [Two Step Deployment Control System]
CAUTION:
If the disc on the combination switch is deformed or has foreign material
adhering to it, performance of the steering angle sensor may be reduced, causing
abnormal operation. When handling the clock spring, be careful not to deform
the disc and make sure there is no foreign ...