Opel 1900 1973, Service Manual

Page: 203 / 625

1973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
and ignition switch in RUN position, the fog lights
are automatically switched off. Direction signals
work in the normal manner; pushing the lever up for
right turn signal and pulling the lever down for left
turn signal.
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION OF HORN
The button is located in the center part of the
steering wheel. The horn is actuated by pushing on
the ends of the spokes for the Opel
Manta and
by pushing on the center horn button on
and GT. The button is provided with a plug connec-
tion for each springloaded plunger. See Figure
Figure Horn Button Connections (Opel 1900
Manta)
DESCRIPTION OF STEERING COLUMN
ASSEMBLY
The steering column mast jacket is provided with a
tube-frame section
B of Figure with
bulges which compresses or folds itself, if a suffi-
ciently large energy is exerted to one or other end of
the steering mast jacket assembly. This tube-frame
section absorbs most of the energy. The steering col-
umn consists of two parts, the upper and lower mast
jacket assembly and’the steering shaft. The
steering mast is firmly connected to the tube
the lower steering mast is clearance-free attached to
the tube by
of injected plastic (See Figure
Consequently, the steering mast withstands
all torsional stresses.
As soon as the primary energy becomes effective, the
plastic pins (c) shear off and the steering shaft com-
presses. Thereafter the steering mast
jacket is partly
compressed.
A slide-off base is welded to the steering mast jacket.
It is provided with two (2) slots for the respective
attaching bolts. A metal piece (See Figure is
located in each slot which is attached to the slide-off
base with injected plastic. The open sides of the slots
face the driver so that the primary energy cannot
push the steering mast jacket assembly into the pas-
senger compartment. The secondary energy caused
by
the driver can on the other hand effect a shearing
of the plastic pins and loosening of the slide-off base
so that it moves downwards. Thereby the steering
mast jacket assembly is compressed further and ab-
sorbs the impact energy to a large extent.
The energy absorbing steering is not more suscepti-
ble to damage than a standard steering. However, the
steering mast jacket assembly, especially if removed,
has in contrast with the standard steering to be given
a
treatment.
Figure Energy Absorbing Steering Column
The energy absorbing steering column must
by no
means be subject to impacts or blows. A sharp blow
onto the exposed steering shaft ends, leaning onto
steering column or dropping may loosen or even
shear off the plastic attachments which bring about
rigidity of assembly. In spite of a steering column
damaged in this way the operating function of the
steering is retained due to the lateral flattenings on
steering shaft tube and lower steering shaft. How-
ever, after a short period of operation rattling noises
will be noticeable so that the steering column has to
be replaced. For pulling steering wheel off steering
column use appropriate special tool. Therefore, it is
of importance that the instructions for removal and
installation as well as disassembly and assembly are
Strictly adhered to.
MAJOR REPAIR
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF
STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY
The removal of this assembly is only necessary for