Steering wheel

The steering column consists of:

• lower section with collapsible tube, which allows the position of the steering wheel to remain fixed during a frontal impact;
• upper section supported by a magnesium support, in turn attached to a steel bracket.

Because of their high rigidity, these components contribute significantly to reducing steering vibrations, with the advantage of improving driving comfort.

For versions with the VCD system 3350E ( Characteristic of working principle 3350E Vehicle direction control system vdc), level with the

universal joint on the upper senction, there is a steering position sensor. The sensor is kept in the correct working position by a pin which is inserted on the anchoring fork, present on the steering column mounting. There are two pins on the

sensor, one for left-hand drive versiona and one for right-hand drive versions. The correct position is shown in the figure.

When handling the steering column, use the protection, supplied with the spare part.

The sensor has two pins, one for left-hand drive versions and one for right-hand drive versions, and a point for connection to the electrical system on the side facing the steering wheel. Depending on the version, the pin is fitted in the anchoring

pin and can slide to permit axial adjustment of the steering column. When handling the steering column, use the specific sensor guard which is supplied with the spare part.

On the supper section of the steering column, there is also a friction steering lock, consisting of a friction bush and a ring spring, characterized by a surface with is smooth on the inside and splined on the inside, called 'Rencol ring'. The splined

part is press-fitted on the upper steering shaft and cuts slightly into the surface of the latter, thus becoming integral with the shaft. The smooth part is a press fit on the inner diameter of the friction bush, and can slide, by rotation, in

relation to the bush with a torque of between 10 and 24 daNm.

The friction system limits the maximum force which can be transmitted, and guarantees the following in the case of a theft:

• the security of the steering column;
• impossibility of lock mechanism breakage.

• 1 Steering wheel
• 2 Air Bag module
• 3 Horn cable
• 4 Actuating springs
• 5 Horn connector
• 6 Seat for wiring

VIEW OF STEERING WHEEL IN BASIC CONFIGURATION

• A - Upper view of steering wheel
• B - Lower view of steering wheel
• 1 Radio controls
• 2 Upward shift Selespeed control (1...5)
• 3 Downward shift Selespeed control
• 4 Point of connection to electrical system
• 5 Junction box
• 6 Horn cable

The steering wheel is made using a magnesium structure, which offers greater strength and lighter weight, and is coated with a material which is pleasant to touch. On request it may be leather covered for greater driving comfort.

The Air Bag module is contained inside the steering wheel 5580C ( Characteristic of working principle 5580C Air bag system). Along the

perimeter of the module housing, there is the horn control cable 5550B ( Characteristic of working principle 5550B Horns)which ends with a

two-way connector on the right. The connection to the electrical system is via the white two-way connector which projects from the clock spring 5580C (

Characteristic of working principle 5580C Air bag system).

The horn is activated by the action of the springs, present near the Air Bag module bolts, which close the circuit.

After making the connection, it is essential to fit, on the steering wheel attachment nut, the protective cap and to fit the cables in their channel, which is designed so as not to hinder the positioning of the Air Bag module and the operation of the

horn.

The horn is activated by the action of the springs, present near the Air Bag module bolts, which close the circuit.

VIEW OF STEERING WHEEL IN THE CONFIGURATION WITH RADIO CONTROLS AND SELESPEED GEARBOX CONTROL LEVERS