Crazy Steering Column????

[Marauderjack]

Anyone have an explanation for the crazy joints in the steering column below the driver's side exhaust manifold??? :confused: Most cars have a couple U-Joints but the "Offset Gismo".....What's that for?? :(

Marauderjack :D

[ahess77]

Mr. Marauderjack: I'd have to pull the drawing to be sure, but from what I remember about body structrues the offset device you're seeing probably has two main purposes:

1. It provides separation in the event of a crash so the engine doesn't propel the steering column through your chest. I don't know if this column has a collapsable sleeve or not, some designs do to keep the stroke to less than 100mm.
2. It provides vibration dampening to split the resonance of the column into two lower frequencies, (so the wheel doesn't shake in your hands at certain RPMs.)

Also, between the offset and the U-joints, the column has to transfer the torque from the steering wheel to the gearbox/rack, so the offsets tend to look like afterthoughts in a lot of designs because the column is designed around the powertrain. :)

[MapleLeafMerc]

from what I remember about body structrues the offset device you're seeing probably has two main purposes:

1. It provides separation in the event of a crash so the engine doesn't propel the steering column through your chest.:)

In that case I'm definitely in favour of it.

[Marauderjack]

I figured the offset had to do with giving a work advantage over the rack.....The U-Joints to get around corners, etc!! But...I thought the collapse took place farther up the column?? :shake:

Don't really care as long as I don't make it collapse!!! :burnout:

Marauderjack :D

[left_right]

That crazy gizmo has three functions actually, and none of them have anything to do with crash.

1) It allows for some movement between the body and frame of the car. The steering column moves with the body, and the gear with the frame. As you drive over bumps/etc. the two move relative to each other so you have to have some way of allowing the column to "stroke".

2) It allows the whole thing to be bolted together! It collapses down the whole piece to a shorter length so it can be fitted to the gear and column and then extends into position to be bolted up.

3) So, there are lots of way to accomplish the first to items, but most importantly is has to be very stiff torsionally. The stiffer torsionally, the more precise and responsive the steering. This joint is very stiff torsionally, and as a result your Marauder goes where you point it!

[TAF]

Thanks for the explaination left right...:up:

I don't care what it looks like...all I know is my Marauder handles like a dream!!!:coolman: