Steering Shaft: Description and Operation

This vehicle uses an intermediate shaft in the steering system of the vehicle. The intermediate shaft connects the shaft of the steering column to the shaft of the steering gear using a universal joint at each end of the intermediate shaft. The universal joints allow for the misalignment of the steering column and the steering gear.

The intermediate shaft utilizes a collapsible sliding joint located between the upper and lower flex joint on the intermediate shaft.

The sliding joint on the intermediate shaft, allows the intermediate shaft to collapse (shorten) between the universal joints. This is so if the vehicle is involved in a front end collision resulting in rearward movement of the steering gear the intermediate shaft will absorb the movement. This prevents the steering column from being pushed into the passenger compartment of the vehicle.