Steering Columns - Collapsible: Description

Under head-on collision conditions, columns are designed to telescope at a controlled rate. If driver is thrown forward into steering wheel, column can telescope further at same controlled rate. Incorporated into columns is a two piece telescoping transmission gear shift tube interconnected by plastic inserts and shear pins, and a two piece telescoping steering shaft with upper and lower sections connected by plastic collars and pins. A mounting bracket connecting steering column and instrument panel, allows column to slide forward on impact, but blocks rearward movement towards driver. On Plymouth Barracuda and Dodge Challenger, a corrugated cylinder is placed between steering wheel and bearing housing to provide for impact absorption.