Steering column with bearing and its fastening to the central tube
D – delivery clamp
The steering column of all Skoda Octavia cars can be adjusted in height and axial direction. The shaft consists of several parts, but as a mounting unit it cannot be disassembled. At the bottom of the shaft there is a crosspiece, mounted with its lower part on a fine-module control gear and secured with a bolt that enters the gear groove. The bolt simultaneously tightens the lower collar of the joint. The upper part of the joint continues as a short shaft to the second crosspiece. The broken shape of the shaft also serves safety purposes in the event of a frontal impact of the car.
The upper part of the steering column is also a safe structure. The individual components of the upper part of the shaft are inserted into each other in such a way that in the event of a collision, they intercept the impact on the steering wheel. The upper tube carries the fastening elements, the control lock with the switch box and has a bearing for the shaft inside. The shaft also has elements for movement and tilt, including a locking mechanism.
The steering column is secured to the central tube at three points. Two bolts threaded through a bracket located in front of the switch box (in the direction of travel), and screwed to the console of the central tube, and a bracket put on the pin of the same console in the front part. This connection is secured on one side by a flat spring inserted into the cutout of the console, and on the other by a vertically oriented bolt, which does not allow the shaft to be pulled out of the lower grip. The connection is swinging and allows the shaft to be tilted when adjusting the height by 44 mm. At the end of the supporting tube of the steering column closer to the steering wheel, two bolts with a breakaway head are attached to the steering wheel lock, combined with the ignition switch. Both parts are placed in an aluminum case, oriented after installation in such a way that access to the lock is on the right side under the steering wheel.
The steering column assembly can be moved vertically (while tilting the shaft) and relatively shorten (lengthen) the shaft in the horizontal direction by 45 mm. This mechanism is located closer to the steering wheel and is controlled by a common lever, the handle of which is located under the switch box. The lever either releases or compresses two small plastic toothed disks that stop both vertical and horizontal movement. By deflecting the lever, you can, by pressing on the steering wheel, move it, tilt it, or move it back and forth.
(Article reprinted from the website: «SKODABOOK.RU»)