CONSTRUCTION FEATURES

VIEW OF STEERING COLUMN

1 - Lower steering column 2 - Upper steering column 3 - Magnesium support 4 - Steering wheel 5 - Friction bush 6 - Ring spring 7 - Locking handle

The steering column consists of:

lower section with collapsible tube, which allows the position of the steering wheel to remain fixed during a frontal impact;
upper section supported by a magnesium support, in turn attached to a steel bracket.

Because of their high rigidity, these components contribute significantly to reducing steering vibrations, with the advantage of improving driving comfort.On the supper section of the steering column, there is also a friction steering lock, consisting of a friction bush and a ring spring, characterized by a surface with is smooth on the inside and splined on the inside, called 'Rencol ring'. The splined part is press-fitted on the upper steering shaft and cuts slightly into the surface of the latter, thus becoming integral with the shaft. The smooth part is a press fit on the inner diameter of the friction bush, and can slide, by rotation, in relation to the bush with a torque of between 10 and 24 daNm.

The friction system limits the maximum force which can be transmitted, and guarantees the following in the case of a theft:

the security of the steering column;
impossibility of lock mechanism breakage.

Steering wheel

The steering wheel is made using a magnesium structure, which offers greater strength and lighter weight, and is coated with a material which is pleasant to touch. On request it may be leather covered for greater driving comfort. The Air Bag module is contained inside the steering wheel Characteristic of working principle 5580C air bag system . Depending on the version, on the steering wheel - apart from the Air Bag module and horn - there are the radio electrical controls and, on Selespeed versions, the levers for the electrical controls of the gearbox Characteristic of working principle 2127A hydraulic transmission external linkage . For versions with VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control System) there is a steering angle sensor Characteristic of working principle 3350E vehicle direction control system vdc incorporated in the steering column switch unit that cannot be dismantled on its own.

If the steering wheel, steering column or power assisted steering box are being removed-refitted, the electronic calibration of the sensor must be checked using the diagnostic equipment.