[Shotimes] Steering play?

[George Fourchy]

On Mon, 24 Jan 2005 15:44:08 -0500, cmichaelo@optonline.net wrote:

>Does anyone know what this telescopic action is needed for?
>
>Obviously it helps to eliminate any mechanical feedback from the steering rack to the steering wheel.  This mean a vibration free steering wheel and a steering wheel through which road imperfections are felt to a lesser degree. Yes? No?

That's some of it, but the main reason is to allow the engine, rack, subframe, and
firewall to collapse to a large extent without encroaching too much on the driver in
a significant front end collision.  Years ago, the whole column was corregated where
it went from the dash to the firewall...that was to allow for collapse, before there
were airbags.  Now, two things have happened...airbags, and racks have their
connection to the wheel farther towards the center of the car, which requires the
U-joints.  Before, the steering "line" went straight down to the left front frame
member, where the steering gearbox was.

Gotta love progress!!

George