Steering Column Intermediate Shaft

The steering column intermediate shaft consists of an inner steel shaft and an outer steel tube that are bonded together by injected plastic. This joint is not designed to slide under normal operating/service conditions, only in the event of a frontal impact. The steering feel of the vehicle may be adversely affected if the injected joint is fractured or displaced. In the event of a frontal impact, if sufficient axial force is applied to the steering column intermediate shaft, the plastic joint between the steel shaft and tube fractures, allowing the shaft to axially compress limiting the force applied to the steering column.

Universal joints are located at each end of the intermediate shaft with aluminum connection yokes that are clamped onto the upper steering column and the steering gear input shaft by threaded fixings. The internal form of the yokes only allows fitment to the upper column output shaft and steering gear in one orientation.