Abstract: A low floor type small vehicle includes an engine mounted on a vehicle body while being disposed on the rear side of a floor portion on which to mount the feet of a vehicle driver seated on a passengers' seat. An electric motor provides electric power for assisting the steering of a steering handle by the vehicle driver. A control unit for controlling the operation of the electric motor from external forces is protected by using a simple configuration. The control unit is disposed on the inner side of a dashboard.

Abstract: A walk-substituting cart has a transverse rod secured to a chassis thereof, first and second sleeves secured on the transverse rod, first and second rotating shafts passed through the sleeves for connection to a handlebar device, a connecting rod, a front wheel on each side, and two transmission rods; the first sleeve is nearer to one side of the chassis while the second sleeve is right behind the middle of the front of the cart; the connecting rod is pivoted to the rotating shafts at two ends for passing on turning motion; each front wheel has a direction changing plate joined thereto, and the transmission rods are pivoted to respective direction changing plates, and pivoted to the second rotating shaft; therefore, the handlebar device can be located either right behind the middle of the front of the cart or nearer to a lateral side of the cart.

Abstract: A steering column attachment assembly is disclosed for adjustably locating and securing after market steering columns to an automotive vehicle. The attachment assembly comprises a penannular flexible insert having inner and outer portions. The outer portion of the flexible insert comprises a plurality of sides. The attachment assembly also comprises a strap clamp having inner and outer regions and an opening provided to the inner region for receiving the flexible insert. The inner region and outer region are formed from a plurality of sides corresponding to the plurality of sides of the outer portion of the flexible insert such that the plurality of sides of the flexible insert and corresponding plurality of sides of the inner region of the strap clamp are in contact during assembly. The strap clamp features a plurality of adjustable compression members that engage the flexible insert.

Abstract: A steering column assembly comprises a steering column shroud which supports a steering shaft for a steering wheel, a support bracket which is fixed in position relative to a part of vehicle, and a clamp mechanism which is movable between a locked position in which the clamp mechanism fixes the shroud in position relative to the support bracket and an unlocked position in which the clamp mechanism permits movement of the shroud relative to the support bracket. The support bracket comprises a generally U-shaped member with two depending arms of the U extending from its base having a portion of the column shroud located therebetween. A clamp mechanism is also provided which upon locking of the clamp mechanism provides tension between the two arms of the U shaped member together thereby clamping the steering column shroud in position.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle includes a setting unit displaceable in at least one displacement direction for setting the position of the steering column, a holding unit nondisplaceable into this displacement direction, a securement device, in the opened state of which the setting unit (4) is displaceable with respect to the holding unit for setting the position of the steering column and in the closed state of which the setting unit (4) is secured in position by the securement device, and a crash blocking device, which is displaceable between a passive state and an active state. The blocking device raises an additional holding force against a displacement of the setting unit with respect to the holding unit into at least one displacement direction.

Abstract: A composite steering wheel for an automotive vehicle having a steering column is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the composite steering wheel includes a rim, a center hub, and a plurality of spokes connecting the rim to the center hub. The rim, the center hub, and the plurality of spokes are formed from a deformable thermoplastic material. The composite steering wheel also includes an attachment member embedded in the center hub. The attachment member is sized to couple to the steering column.

Abstract: A steering shaft supporting part 100 is connected to a pair of side frames 13 and 14 and extends substantially vertically to a steering shaft 12 in side view of a vehicle. An upper part of the steering shaft 12 is supported only on the steering shaft supporting part 100 so as to be freely rotatable and freely and vertically movable around an axial core of the steering shaft 12.

Abstract: A steering column (10) includes a steering column member (12) connectable with a steering wheel and rotatable to turn steerable vehicle wheels. A support (24), through which the steering column member (12) extends, is connected with a mounting bracket (54). The support (24) is movable relative to the mounting bracket (54) through a first range of motion into any one of a plurality of positions. The support (24) has a first position relative to the mounting bracket (54). A locking mechanism (80) locks the support (24) in any one of the plurality of positions relative to the mounting bracket (54). A memory mechanism (130) defines a memory position of the support (24) relative to the mounting bracket (54). The memory mechanism (130) guides movement of the support (24) relative to the mounting bracket (54) through a second range of motion smaller than the first range of motion between the first position and the memory position.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a support arrangement for supporting the steering column, an air-conditioning unit, a head-up display (HUD) and/or pedals. The automotive vehicle has a window arch which extends below the windscreen in the region between the two A-columns of the automotive vehicle. In order to facilitate assembly, the window arch has, on the engine compartment-side, recesses in order to be able to fix the support arrangement or a corresponding instrument panel module from the engine compartment.

Abstract: An apparatus which has an extension arm adapted to mount a handlebar to a steering post of a vehicle. The extension arm having a first end and a second end. A coupling body is provided for pivotally mounting the first end to the steering post. A coupling body is also provided for pivotally mounting the second end to the handlebar. A linkage with a locking pin is provided for locking the handlebar in a selected orientation relative to the mounting arm.

Abstract: To constrain a load applied to a steering shaft and a power assist unit. In a rough terrain vehicle including a power assist unit including an electrically-driven power steering apparatus provided coaxially with a steering shaft, and an electrically-driven motor provided in the power assist unit arranged so as to be orthogonal to the steering shaft, a rear end portion of the electrically-driven motor is supported by a motor supporting member which is mounted to inclined frames of a vehicle body frame.

Abstract: A device for motor vehicles and a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle includes a support structure, which is mounted in the vehicle, and a steering wheel, which is rotatably connected to the support structure. The device includes a control unit and a sensor device, which is connected to the control unit. The sensor device is adapted to sense vibrations in the steering wheel and to provide a sensor signal related to the sensed vibrations. An actuator device is connected to the control unit and adapted to influence vibrations in the vehicle. The control unit is adapted to control the actuator device, with regard to the sensor signal, to act on the vehicle in such a way that a desired vibration character in the steering wheel is obtained.

Abstract: A fastening device for a steering column module of a vehicle includes a housing bottom (30) coupled to an essentially tubular fastening flange (20), which module is mounted on the steering column jacket (10) of a steering spindle. The fastening flange (20) has at least one radially movable arresting block (40, 40?), which, in a fastening position of the fastening flange (20), engages in a corresponding radial recess (12, 12?) of the steering column jacket (10).

Abstract: A steering column is structured such that a clamp/unclamp mechanism of a telescopic mechanism and a tilting mechanism can be operated by a single control lever located in the vicinity of a steering wheel, and that no part juts out of the steering column to improve reliability and controllability. When the control lever is pulled to rock on the center of the lever center axis, a tilt head is unclamped, while the rocking motion of the control lever turns a pusher plate, thereby pushing a pusher rod and also turning a column clamp shaft through a rocking arm. With the rotation of the column clamp shaft, the clamp is released to allow a column head to move. Since the column clamp shaft turns parallelly with the direction of movement of the column head, the column head can be clamped/unclamped regardless of its position.

Abstract: A steering support beam 1 includes a cylindrical support beam body 2 and a plurality of brackets 10, 13, 20, 23 and 26 each having a fitting portion fitted on the cylindrical support beam body 2 and fixed thereto. The fitting portion of at least one of the brackets 20 is fixed to the support beam body 2 in a state in which the fitting portion of at least one of the brackets 20 is positioned with respect to the support beam 2 by being interposed by an outer pipe 3 fitted on the support beam 2 between the fitting portion of at least one of the brackets 20 and the fitting portion of the other bracket 10.

Abstract: A power steering system for a vehicle includes a torque sensor, an electric motor operated according to a detected value detected by the torque sensor, and a power transmission mechanism for transmitting rotational power of the electric motor to the side of a steering wheel or wheels. The power steering system makes it possible to protect the electric motor while reducing the weight through simplification of the vehicle body component members. A cross member that is bent to form a recessed portion is provided in the vehicle body. At least an electric motor of the power steering system is disposed inside the recessed portion. However, the torque sensor, the electric motor and a power transmission mechanism can be disposed inside the recessed portion.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column assembly includes a steering column with an outer jacket moveable along an axis. An instrument panel is coupled to the outer jacket. An instrument panel hood is connected to the instrument panel and the outer jacket. A support bracket includes a pair of support arms including flanges, with a first mounting component and a second mounting component connected to the flanges. The outer jacket is slideably coupled to the first mounting component and the instrument panel is slideably coupled to the second mounting component. The support bracket is pivotable about a pivot axis between an upper limit and a lower limit. A spring is attached to the support bracket for biasing the support bracket toward the upper limit. Coordinated movement between the instrument panel and the outer jacket is possible and the load from the instrument panel is diverted from the outer jacket to the support bracket.

Abstract: An interior structure for a vehicle includes a cover. The cover includes a pair of attachments and arranged above a column cover. One of the attachments is attached to an instrument panel and another of the attachments is attached to a column cover. Then, the cover screens a gap between the instrument panel and the column cover. The cover includes a flexible main element and a pair of retainers. The main element further includes a pair of attached areas and an intermediate area joining the attached areas. The retainers are fixed to the attached areas to compose the attachments, respectively. According to the interior structure, attaching workability of the cover and an appearance are improved.

Abstract: A column hole cover is interposed between a circumferential portion of an aperture of a column hole of an instrument panel and a steering gear box capable of being displaced in a predetermined direction. The column hole cover includes a cylindrical main body extended in the predetermined direction. The main body includes a first annular end portion directly or indirectly fixed to the steering gear box, and a second annular end portion. The second end portion is provided with an annular seal. An intermediate portion between the first and second end portions is provided with a expandable/contractible portion capable of being elastically expanded or contracted in the predetermined direction. Irrespective of the displacement of the steering gear box, the annular seal is maintained in an elastic pressure contact against the circumferential portion of the aperture of the instrument panel by a reaction force of the compressed expandable/contractible portion.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a steering shaft (4) of a steering column (1) and (4) for a motor vehicle steering assembly (2), wherein the steering shaft (4) includes a cylinder body (11) and a piston rod body (12) inserted telescopically therein, and on one end is connectible with a steering wheel (6) and at the other is connectible via a steering coupling (5) with a steering gear (7). The assembly of the steering shaft (4) can be simplified thereby, that the steering shaft (4) includes at least one (1) pneumatic connection (13), which communicates with a cylinder space (14), which is provided in the cylinder body (11) and which cylinder space is axially bordered from the piston rod body (12), in such a manner, that pressure actuation of the cylinder space (14) drives the piston rod body (12) to extend from the cylinder body (11).

Abstract: A vehicle steering system includes a sound absorbing material made of sponge and attached to an elastic joint which connects a second steering shaft extending from a steering wheel and a third steering shaft extending from a steering gear box to each other. The sound absorbing material faces an opening in a joint cover which is mounted on a dashboard and through which the second steering shaft passes. Therefore, the sound absorbing material absorbs noise which is produced in the steering gear box such that the noise does not pass from the engine room side through the opening in the joint cover to the vehicle compartment side, thereby preventing transmission of the noise to the vehicle compartment side. Further, the sound absorbing material requires only a simple shape and construction, thereby reducing the cost. Furthermore, the sound absorbing material does not come into sliding contact with the second steering shaft, and thus does not produce sliding noise or sliding resistance.

Abstract: A steering assembly has a bracket fixed to a vehicle and a bracket carriage displaceably arranged on the bracket. The assembly can be reliably collapsed in the event of an accident and is simple and cost-effective to manufacture. The bracket carriage is attached to the bracket by way of an attachment embodied in one piece with the bracket and/or the bracket carriage.

Abstract: In a motor-driven steering wheel position adjustment apparatus, a nut 17 being a driven member is mounted such that it can be detached from an inner column of a steering column, based on a shock load applied at the time of a secondary collision, and therefore a threaded rod of a feed screw mechanism does not have resistance with respect to displacement of the inner column in the forward direction at that time. Improvement in the protection of a driver at the time of a collision can thus be achieved, and, since an integrated member can be used for the threaded rod, silence during the position adjustment of a steering wheel by the feed screw mechanism can be ensured.

Abstract: A vehicle steering assembly includes a mounting plate having a slot and a raised contact surface adjacent to at least part of the slot and a bracket coupled to the mounting plate, adapted to support at least a portion of a steering column. A coupler extends through the slot, and has a head overlying at least a portion of the contact surface, and engages with the bracket to retain the position of the steering column mount relative to the bracket. The combined thickness of all members between the head and the connecting portion is greater when the head overlies the contact surface than when the head is not overlying the contact surface. A greater clamping force is applied by the coupler to all members between the head and the connecting portion when the head overlies the contact surface than when the head is not overlying the contact surface.

Abstract: An impact absorption type steering column apparatus for an automotive vehicle is constructed so that a car body sided bracket secured to a car body is press-fitted to a column sided bracket provided separately from or integrally with a steering column, the steering column is supported by inserting a bolt through through-holes formed in the two brackets, and, when a secondary collision happens, an impact energy thereof is absorbed in a way that causes a flexural deformation of the car body sided bracket while moving the steering column towards the front of the automotive vehicle. In this apparatus, the through-hole of the column sided bracket is formed as an elongate hole extending to the rear side of the automotive vehicle from a position of the bolt.

Abstract: The invention provides a steering column assembly for a vehicle and a method for manufacturing the steering column assembly. The steering column assembly includes a steering column member having an aperture extending along an axis. The steering column assembly also includes a steering shaft rotatably disposed at least partially in the aperture. The steering shaft includes a steering wheel engaging end axially spaced from the aperture. The steering column assembly also includes a supporting member for supporting a vehicle accessory. The supporting member is cantilevered from the steering column member and cooperates with the steering column member to define a groove substantially surrounding the steering wheel engaging end.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vibration damping apparatus for steering systems. The vibration damping apparatus of the present invention includes a fluid-filled chamber which is provided between upper and lower shafts, an upper actuating member which has a female bladed part disposed in the fluid-filled chamber, and a lower actuating member which has a male bladed part disposed in said fluid-filled chamber. Thus, the vibration damping apparatus of the present invention effectively interrupts the transmission of vibrations from the steerable wheels of an automotive vehicle the steering wheel, thereby optimizing driving comfort and safety.

Abstract: An impact absorption system for a motor vehicle has a steering column with a first sleeve and a second sleeve. The first sleeve is sized to receive a portion of the second sleeve. The sleeves extend between a first mounting bracket and a second mounting bracket. A piston cylinder assembly is mounted between the first and second mounting brackets. A plurality of igniters is in communication with the piston cylinder assembly. The plurality of igniters, when activated, are capable of releasing a pressurized fluid to pressurize the piston cylinder assembly. A plurality of sensors are mounted within the motor vehicle for signaling the vehicle and driver conditions. A controller is in communication with the plurality of sensors and the plurality of igniters. The controller activates at least one of the plurality of igniters based on the signals from the plurality of sensors during an impact event.

Abstract: A hanger beam assembly is formed from aluminum and includes first and second support brackets, a main beam hanger, a driver beam, a main beam, a main beam support, and a main beam support mounting bracket. The driver beam extends between the first support bracket and the main beam hanger. The main beam extends between the main beam hanger and the second support bracket. The main beam support bracket is secured to a vehicle floor, and the main beam support is secured between the main beam hanger and the main beam support mounting bracket. The resulting hanger beam assembly is light-weight and provides a desired natural frequency at the associated steering wheel.

Abstract: An adjustable vehicle steering column is locked to a vehicle chassis by a remote-controlled electrically-operable locking arrangement that is carried by one end of a locking arm the other end of which is pivotally connected with the vehicle chassis. The locking arrangement has a locking axis that is parallel with and spaced a given distance from the pivot axis of the locking arm.

Abstract: A steering column apparatus, includes: a fixed column member having a vehicle body attachment portion to be attached to a vehicle body; a column head supported by the fixed column member movably in a direction of a center shaft of the fixed column member; a wheel shaft, rotatably supported by the column head, for fixing a steering wheel to an end thereof; a column clamp, provided in the column head, for putting the column head into a state in which the column head is clamped to or unclamped from the fixed column member; an operation lever having a rocking shaft in the column head; and a mechanical transmission apparatus for transmitting a rocking motion of the operation lever to the column clamp.

Abstract: In a vehicle for uneven ground operation front wheels can be steered with a handle via a steering shaft mounted rotatably on the body frame with an upper cross beam being placed in spanning relationship between left and right front upper pipes composing the body frame and said steering shaft is supported by the upper cross beam. The left and right pipes can be coupled firmly to each other with the upper cross beam for enhancing the rigidity of the body frame. In addition, the number of components can be reduced as compared to providing a distinct steering shaft support member so that a reduction in the weight of the vehicle is achieved. If the upper cross beam is bend molded, the rigidity of the upper cross beam can be enhanced so that the rigidity of the body frame is further enhanced, while a weight increase is suppressed.

Abstract: A telescopic adjusting electric power steering apparatus has a steering column 12 having an outer column 12a and an inner column 12b connected so as to be relatively extended and contracted, and rotatably supporting a steering shaft attaching a steering wheel 13 thereto; and an electric actuator 50 having one end portion attached to the outer column 12a and the other end portion attached to the inner column 12b, and extending and contracting the outer column 12a and the inner column 12b; wherein the electric actuator 50 has a rotation obstructing member 59 for obstructing relative rotation of the outer column 12a and the inner column 12b.

Abstract: A steering column bracket for a motor vehicle includes a body defining a bore adapted to receive a lower mounting bracket. A pair of wings extend out from the body on opposite sides thereof. A bracing is formed on at least a portion of a surface of the body and a at least a portion of a surface of the wings. The bracing includes of a plurality of ribs defining pockets. The bracing provides stiffness to the steering column bracket.

Abstract: A mounting structure of a steering column for a vehicle is provided with a column mounting bracket coupling the steering column to a cowl cross-member. A pedal bracket is coupled to a dash panel of the vehicle and a contact prevention part is provided at the column mounting bracket so that contact between an inner end of the pedal bracket and the column mounting bracket is minimized. Therefore, injuries to a driver and noise from vibration are minimized along with an increase in workability in manufacturing and assembly of the pedal structure.

Abstract: A steering-column fixing-panel assembly of a cowl crossmember comprises a pair of first and second upper panels, and a single lower panel. Each of the upper panels includes a circular groove for use in the engagement of a crossbar of the cowl crossmember, inner and outer flanges formed at opposite lateral side edges thereof, and a coupling hole formed at the front portion thereof for the fixing of a steering column. The lower panel includes a circular groove for use in the engagement of the crossbar below the first and second upper panels; a protrusion configured to engage closely, at opposite lateral side edges thereof, with the inner flanges of the first and second upper panels; lower flanges, formed at opposite lateral side edges thereof, so as to engage closely with the outer flanges of the first and second upper panels; and a pair of coupling holes, formed at the front portion thereof, so as to communicate with the coupling holes of the first and second upper panels.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises a steering column, a steering post, and a locking mechanism. The steering post comprises a first opening and a second opening and the first opening parallel to the second opening. The steering post is contained within the steering column. The locking mechanism is coupled to the steering column and comprises a first member including a first diameter; and a second member including a second diameter. The first diameter is larger than the second diameter, and the second member is to telescopically extend from the first member. The second member is to substantially fit inside the first member when the second member is not extended, and the second member is to extend through both the first opening and the second opening.

Abstract: In a manufacturing method of a steering column apparatus for a car in which a column-side bracket attached to a steering column is brought into pressure contact with a body-side bracket attached onto the body of the car to be retained, the body-side bracket or the column-side bracket is comprised of a plurality of divided components in advance, and these plurality of divided components are connected to each other by caulking at the time of assembling, so as to assemble the body-side bracket or the column-side bracket.

Abstract: The present invention provides a steering column bracket 1 including a receiving main body 12 put to the deck cross member 2 from below and a sling plate 11 straddling the deck cross member 2 from above to be spanned over the receiving main body 2. The receiving main body 12 is formed into a sectionally groove shape by integrally coupling respective lower edges of a symmetric pair of abutting plate portions 122, 122 and a mounting plate portion 121. The mounting plate portion 121 provides a mounting portion for the steering column. Each abutting plate portion 122 is formed in a shape of twin peaks that comprises a notch edge 1221 located between the twin peaks and shaped along a sectional shape of the deck cross member 2, a front inclined edge 1222, a rear inclined edge 1224 aligning with tangents L,L to the deck cross member 2.

Abstract: A fixing structure includes a first bracket having a first bolt hole, a second bracket having a second bolt hole smaller in the axial length than the first bolt hole, a securing member for securing a circumferential end of the first bracket and a circumferential end of the second bracket, and a securing bolt arranged from the second bolt hole through the first bolt hole and for securing the first bracket, the second bracket, and the vehicle-body member together.

Abstract: An elastic coupling capable of sufficiently absorbing a shake of a steering shaft in its axis direction to prevent a driver from feeling uncomfortable due to the shake is provided. A rubber elastic body including lubricant is provided between an outer circumference of an inner casing having a roughly cross shape in section and an inner circumference of an outer casing while the outer casing and the rubber elastic body are enabled to slide in their axis direction so as to absorb a shake in the axis direction from a steering gear box side.

Abstract: A steering column for a motor vehicle includes upper steering-column portion, a lower steering-column portion, and a damping body for coupling the upper and lower steering-column portions, with piezoelectric elements being integrated in the damping body. These piezoelectric elements are part of an active system for vibration damping and are provided for compensating vibrations in length direction of the steering column and torsional vibrations in rotational direction of the steering wheel. The active system further includes piezoelectric elements in an attachment zone between the A-pillars and the support beam for compensating vibrations in length direction of the support beam and perpendicular thereto. Thus, the active system for vibration damping thus provides a vibration control in all three directions in space as well as control of torsional vibration.

Abstract: An impact absorbing type steering column apparatus for an automotive vehicle is capable of adjusting a steering position and, when a secondary collision happens, absorbs impact energy thereof by moving a steering column supported through a bracket on a car body towards the front of the vehicle. The bracket includes a restricting portion for restricting a steering position adjusting range of the steering column. The restricting portion allows, upon the secondary collision, the steering column to move beyond the steering position adjusting range.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for masking clearances between an instrument panel (6) and a covering element (2) linked to an adjustable steering column along a longitudinal direction (10) and a transverse direction (12). The device comprises a relatively rigid intermediate element (4) mobile solely along the longitudinal direction relative to the instrument panel, to remain in contact with said instrument panel, while the covering element moves along the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction, such that it slides along the longitudinal direction relative to the covering element.

Abstract: A tilt device is provided to allow a steering column to be tilted so that a driver can adjust the position of a steering wheel to conform to his/her figure in order to more comfortably drive a vehicle. Further, the tilt device is configured to impart a high supporting strength to the steering column while reliably locking the same.

Abstract: A steering assembly includes a steering column including a column housing for retaining a column tube, and a reinforcing member for reinforcing an end of the column tube. The column housing includes a positioning portion, and a fitting hole having an aperture at the positioning portion. The column tube includes an end fitted in the fitting hole. The reinforcing member includes a sleeve having a first and a second end, and a flange extended radially outwardly from the first end of the sleeve. The sleeve is fixed as fitted on an outer periphery of an end of the column tube and inserted in the fitting hole at the second end thereof. The flange is abutted on the positioning portion of the column housing, for axially and/or radially positioning the column tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides a blind member for a vehicle, which is used in a steering device provided with a tilting structure that can adjust a position of a steering wheel in a vertical direction, and closes a gap between: an opening in an instrument panel provided on a driver's seat side and in which a steering column is inserted; and a column cover which surrounds around the steering column. The blind member includes: a blind main body which is arranged next to the column cover; and a hinge portion which attaches the blind main body to an edge of the opening in the instrument panel such that the blind main body can swing in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A vibration control system for electric tilt steering including a lower stationary and upper moveable column through which is rotatably passed a steering shaft having a steering wheel attached to an distal end projecting into a cabin of a vehicle, the moveable column being linked in vertically tiltable fashion to the end of the stationary column and the stationary column being fixed to a vehicle body, with tilting movement of the moveable column being driven by an electric motor to adjust a movable column vertical position. The system includes a control signal generating device for detecting control signal having control frequency and phase for attenuating vibration input to the steering based on a signal synchronized with operation of a vehicle engine, and a drive controlling device for controlling the electric motor drive based on the control signal, to give oscillation to the steering for attenuating vibration input to the steering.

Abstract: An agricultural tractor or other work vehicle having an operator's station is described. A steering column assembly is mounted in the operator's station and has a steering shaft disposed in a steering shaft barrel. The steering column assembly is adapted to both tilt and telescope. A left hand forward-neutral-reverse lever is mounted in a housing. A key is mounted on the steering shaft barrel and a first housing half is journaled on the steering shaft by way of a bushing. The first housing half has a plurality of lever support bolsters and a plurality of fastener bosses. A second housing half is disposed on the steering shaft barrel and has a plurality of lever support bolsters, a keyway and a plurality of fastener bosses. One of the first or second housing halves has a groove around a peripheral edge thereof, the other of the first or second housing halves has a tongue around a peripheral edge thereof. Similarly, one of the first or second housing halves has a circular lip at an end of each fastener boss.

Abstract: A bulkhead collar for using in conjunction with a bearing housing of a motor vehicle steering column including an upper column shaft and a lower column shaft where the lower column shaft passes through an opening in a bulkhead in the vehicle. The bearing housing is free to rotate on the lower steering column shaft and has a flange for fixing the bearing housing to the collar. The flange comprises two radially extending lugs having holes for alignment with complementary holes on the collar. The collar has a two-way ramp which can abut the edges of the lug so that axial movement of the bearing housing relative to the lower column shaft during installation of the steering column in the vehicle can rotate the bearing housing to automatically align the holes.