Column Collapse Feature

Column is designed to collapse if impacted by driver during a collision. Steering shaft and column jacket are 2-piece units that are injected with plastic. The plastic protrudes from holes in the unit. See Fig 1 & Fig 2 . This keeps the 2 pieces rigidly together as a unit. If the column is impacted, the plastic pieces break off, allowing the column to collapse.

Fig 1: Inspecting Column Jacket

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Fig 2: Inspecting Steering Shaft

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.