Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Steering Column: Description
Steering columns are either floor shift or column shift. Construction and maintenance of both columns is the same except for addition of shift lever, tube and related components on column shift models. Column shift and floor shift steering columns are each available in 3 configurations: fixed column, tilt column and tilt/telescopic column. See Figure -Figure .
Steering column design is basically the same for all columns, with the main differences involving the addition of column shifters and tilt or tilt/telescopic mechanisms. Steering columns use an integral ignition lock switch. This lock secures the steering wheel and shift linkage (column shift).
Columns have a 2-piece telescoping gear shift tube (column shift), interconnected by plastic inserts and shear pins, and a 2-piece telescoping steering shaft with upper and lower sections connected by plastic collars and pins.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.