ididit Right Hand Drive & Collapsible Steering Column: Theory of a Collapsible Column - Manual (Page 2)

PROPERTY OF
ididi
T, inc
PROPERTY OF
ididi
T, inc
PROPERTY OF
ididi
T, inc
PROPERTY OF
ididi
T, inc
PROPERTY OF
ididi
T, inc
PROPERTY OF
ididi
T, inc
ididit inc. 610 S. Maumee St. 49286 Tecumseh, MI PH: 517-424-0577 FAX: 517-424-7293
www.ididitinc.com
Instruction #: 8000000100 REV 12/12
THEORY OF A COLLAPSIBLE COLUMN
AND WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE INSTALLING
The following demonstrates the relationship between seat belt usage and column
positioning:
LAP BELT - Your lap belt creates a pivot point which will cause you to impact
the steering wheel at a forward and downward arc. This means you will impact the
wheel/collapsible column within the designed approach angle. This scenario is most
common with Street Rod columns as they tend to have more of a vertical angle when
installed in the firewall (see Figure 4).
NO SEAT BELT - Unfortunately we see this happen, and it’s never pretty. Figure
5 shows the result of the unprotected driver lifting off the seat and impacting the
steering wheel with full force. Due to the vertical angle of the column, the steering
wheel is unable to stop the driver from hitting the windshield. While you should
always wear a seat belt, Figures 6 and 7 demonstrates how changing the angle of the
column to a more horizontal position, will allow it to collapse properly upon impact
and will give the body less tendency to go over the wheel and into the windshield.
Lesson being, wear your seat belt.
SEAT BELT WITH SHOULDER HARNESS - This is the ideal system.
Combining the safety of the seat belt & shoulder harness with the horizontal angle
of the column (shown in Figures 6 & 7) will help keep you in your seat, and allow
our collapsible column do it’s job properly - lesson the impact of the crash.
Figure 7 represents an alternative safety system. In this system, the column is angled
in a more horizontal position which alleviates the column from hitting the engine
upon impact. This installation allows the column to stop at the firewall and allows
the output shaft to be offset, positioning it lower in order to clear the engine. This
in conjunction with a collapsible intermediate shaft is a great way to keep you safe
and secure. With this system, the rack or gearbox can take a hit and the collapsible
intermediate shaft will absorb the force.
We have provided you with this information to help give you a better understanding
of the different system theories. Each application will vary and proper installation
is vital for the collapsible column to function as designed. We, at ididit care about
our customer and the quality of our parts. We cannot be responsible for improper
installation that restricts the function of the collapsible steering column. Please read
all of the instructions carefully.
For more information on these systems and regulations go to www.fmcsa.gov and
search for code # 571.203 and 571.204. Additional information was gathered from
The Society of Automotive Engineers Recommended Practice # J944
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
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