The steering control has been designed to guarantee the best performance for the driver together with excellent handling and limited effort during parking manoeuvres.The development of these objectives, in conjunction with the search for excellent driving comfort, has led to the production of a steering system with the following technical specifications:- steering wheel turns (lock to lock): 2.65 on all versions- steering box ratio: 51 mm/rpm- steering wheel effort: ~ 4 Nm when steering from stationary- turning circle: 10.5 m with 15" tyres, 11 with 16" and 17" tyres.Driving comfort has been improved by taking care of the power assisted steering system sound insulation and by adopting a new design for the steering wheel and steering column featuring high structural strength.Particular care has also been taken over the layout of the passive safety system, with the use of a collapsing device on the steering column which absorbs energy in a controlled manner.
HYDRAULIC SYSTEM
1. Power assisted steering pump2. Power steering fluid reservoir3. Steering boxThe hydraulic circuit has a hydraulic pump rotated by the drive pulley by means of a dedicated belt; the pump draws in oil from the reservoir near the actual pump; the pump delivery reaches the steering box; the fluid leaving the steering box is sent to the reservoir, passing through the cooling coil at the side of the radiator.
STEERING BOX
The steering box is designed with a constant ratio rack and pinion layout.The mounting supports for the box on the lower frame are designed to break in the event of a crash, to maximize the energy absorbed by the body.
STEERING COLUMN
1. Dashboard crossmember fastenings2. Steering box fasteningsDesigned in accordance with a telescopic sleeve layout, it guarantees:- vertical adjustment with ± 2 degrees of travel,- axial adjustment with 45 mm of total travel.The locking lever is located under the upper cover, in the special housing for the lower covering, in accordance with the most up-to-date EUNCAP safety requirements.The steering column has a controlled energy absorption collapsing device which allows axial travel of 45 mm in addition to the adjustment travel.
