Steering Column
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Pontiac Grand Am, 2002 Oldsmobile Alero, and 2002 Chevrolet Malibu. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
All models are equipped with a tilt column. Steering column components are designed to collapse if impacted during a collision. Steering shaft and column jacket are 2-piece units injected with plastic to hold the 2 pieces together as one unit. See Figure and Figure . If column and/or steering wheel are impacted, the injected plastic will shear, allowing the column assembly to collapse.