Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation
Warning:
Refer to
Safety Glasses Warning
.
Warning: In order to ensure the intended function of the steering column in a vehicle during a crash and in order to avoid
personal injury to the driver, perform the following:
• Tighten the steering column lower fasteners before you tighten the steering column upper fasteners. Failure to do this
can damage the steering column.
• Tighten the steering column fasteners to the specified torque. Overtightening the upper steering column fasteners could
affect the steering column collapse.
Caution:
Refer to
Steering Wheel Straight and Column Locked Caution
.
Caution:
Refer to
Steering Column in Lock Position Caution
.
In addition to the steering function, the steering column provides safety and security.
The energy-absorbing column is designed to compress in a front-end collision to lessen the chance of driver injury.
The ignition switch and the lock are mounted on the column, allowing the ignition and steering operations to be locked to prevent
theft of the car.
The column levers trigger the turn signals, the headlight beams, and the windshield washer and wipers.
Note: Apply a thin coat of lithium grease to all friction points when reassembling to ensure proper operation.
A tilt steering column uses a spherical joint to allow the steering wheel to tilt up and down. This enables the driver to adjust the
steering wheel to a comfortable driving position.
The column may be easily disassembled and assembled.
© 2011 General Motors. All rights reserved.
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CHEVROLET SONIC 2012 BODY REPAIR MANUAL
