Abstract: In a rack and pinion type steering system with an energy absorbing mechanism, errors in axial dimensions of the steering shaft and column tube often make it difficult to fix the two parts to each other at two predetermined axially spaced positions. Such difficulty is eliminated by providing an elongated slot of a predetermined axial length in the column tube to allow a holding member to extend radially through the slot irrespective of the dimensional errors to fixedly connected the column tube to the steering shaft. In addition, a support member which is mounted on the steering shaft for assembling a bearing thereon is constituted by a single structure to preclude disconnection or disintegration of component parts caused by the thrust acting thereon and provided with claw portions or caulking wall portions for holding the bearing securely in position.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for a motor vehicle comprises three shaft parts (1, 7, 8) connected by universal joints (6, 9) and arranged along non-coincident axes. A jacket (13) surrounding the upper shaft part and fixed to the vehicle body includes a collapsable energy-absorbing element (16). The upper shaft part (1) is rotatably mounted in the jacket (13) by an upper thrust bearing (18) and a lower bearing (19). The lower bearing (19) includes a bearing member (20) which disengages from the jacket (13) during downward movement of the upper shaft part (1) under impact loads so that the shaft part (1) can move radially relative to the jacket.

Abstract: A steering column covering shell structure for use with a steering column of a steerable vehicle has a two-piece construction composed of lower and upper shell members which are disconnectably coupled together. By preference, one of the lower and upper shell members has a stress raising wall portion secured to the steering column directly or through the casing of a combination switch assembly mounted on the steering column and enclosed within the shell structure.

Abstract: A steering column supporting structure for use in a motor vehicle which includes a vertical portion provided at approximately a central portion of a vehicle body, and a hollow horizontal structure extending laterally, at its base portion, from the upper portion of the vertical structure toward the side wall of the motor vehicle adjacent to the driver's seat. The lower end of the vertical structure is connected to a tunnel portion or raised portion of a vehicle floor with a high rigidity, while the other end of the horizontal structure at the side wall of the motor vehicle is connected to an inner side panel constituting a closed cross sectional structure together with a hinge pillar outer panel for the improvement of rigidity at the steering column supporting portion.

Abstract: A steering assembly supporting device of a motor vehicle comprising a horizontally extending base portion and a vertically extending leg portion. The base portion extends in parallel to the cowl inner panel at a position which is arranged in the rear of and remote from the cowl inner panel. The opposite ends of the base portion are fixed onto the corresponding cowl side panels and the lower end of the leg portion is fixed onto the floor. The base portion is fixed onto the cowl inner panel via a bracket. The steering tube of the steering assembly is supported by the base portion.

Abstract: A steering assembly supporting device of a motor vehicle comprising a horizontally extending base portion and a vertically extending leg portion. The base portion extends in parallel to the cowl inner panel at a position which is arranged in the rear of and remote from the cowl inner panel. The outer end of the base portion is fixed onto the cowl side panel and the lower end of the leg portion is fixed onto the floor. The intermediate portion of the base portion is fixed onto the cowl inner panel via a bracket. The steering tube of the steering assembly is supported by the intermediate portion of the base portion.

Abstract: A vehicle generally consisting of a body of monocoque construction, front and rear axle assemblies provided with brakes, wheels and tires, suspension systems mounted on the axle assemblies for supporting the body on the axle assemblies, a steering system, an engine mounted in the body between the axle assemblies and adjacent both a side of the body and the rear axle assembly, a transmission mounted on the body rearwardly of the engine, a chain assembly for transmitting drive from the transmission downwardly and laterally, means for transmitting drive from a lower end of the chain assembly forwardly to the rear axle assembly, a cooling system for the engine mounted in the body and control means mounted on the body for operating the engine and transmission.

Abstract: A steering column and cowl support frame for vehicles having a fiber glass body is disclosed. The support frame comprises a pair of opposed rear braces vertically abutting the inside surface of opposed side walls of the cowl and a pair of opposed front braces extending downward and forward from an upper end of the rear braces. Upper gussets join the upper ends of the front and rear opposed braces together and lower gussets attach a lower end of the front braces to the vehicle frame. A rear portion of the gussets extends rearward a distance and then outward at a rear edge of the cowl to form door hinge supports. A cross brace extends transversely across the vehicle. A pedal support extends longitudinally between the cross brace and a fire wall of the cowl.

Abstract: A steering column for a vehicle having an enlarged thin-walled bottom panel removably secured to a generally rectangular housing. With the panel removed, the turn signal switch, universal joint and other components mounted within the housing can be easily serviced without removal of the handwheel or other major column components. End caps slidably fit on tracks on the upper ends of the bottom panel and the housing to secure these parts to each other and to close the upper part of the column. This column provides for multiple controls including tilt adjustment closely adjacent to the handwheel to facilitate operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A tilt and translating steering column assembly for vehicles in which an inner tube rectilinear in cross section is mounted for sliding movement with respect to an outer tube. The inner tube is selectively locked relative to the outer tube by an angular clamping shoe which is actuated by a camming device which diagonally forces the inner and outer tube into frictional engagement with angular and opposing sides of the two tubes. This device permits the two tubes to be quickly and readily adjusted to an infinite number of positions. The inner tube carries a steering column housing and steering wheel which can be linearly moved relative to the fixed outer tube to suit driver requirement.

Abstract: A steering column structure permitting steered driving of a vehicle during the assembly thereof. The steering column structure includes a mounting plate which may be temporarily secured to the frame of the vehicle prior to the installation of the cab and final appointments thereof. The steering column is pivotally mounted to the mounting plate and a bracket is provided for holding the steering column in a preselected upright position in such temporary installation. The mounting plate is adapted to be subsequently secured to the floor structure of the cab when such is installed in the vehicle.