Steering Column - Overview

The steering column is the mechanical linkage between the steering wheel and the steering gear. The steering wheel is mounted to a shaft which passes through the center of the steering column to the intermediate shaft, which connects to the steering gear. The intermediate shaft and steering column shaft both utilize integrated U-joint type couplings.

Vehicles may be equipped with a manual or power tilt/telescopic steering column with memory. Vehicles with the manual tilt/telescopic steering column are controlled by a mechanical lever on the underside of the steering column to lock and unlock the steering column.

Vehicles with the power tilt/telescopic steering column are controlled by operating the steering column control switch, using the steering column tilt/telescopic motors to achieve the desired steering column position. The steering column can be adjusted up or down and in or out to the desired position. The power tilt/telescopic steering column is also part of the driver memory feature, positioning the seat, column and mirrors to programmed positions.

The steering column system consists of the following components:

• Steering wheel
• SCCM
• BCMB (Column and Pedal Control Module) (power adjustable steering column with memory)
• Telescopic and tilt motors (power adjustable steering column with memory)
• Steering column control switch (power adjustable steering column with memory)

Vehicles with adaptive steering have a SECM that is contained in the steering wheel housing. The SECM changes the steering ratio based on vehicle speed and the direction of steering wheel rotation. At low vehicle speeds, the SECM actuates the adaptive steering motor to increase the ratio of turns to the steering shaft, which enables the driver to control the direction of the vehicle with fewer rotations of the steering wheel. Refer to: Adaptive Steering - System Operation and Component Description