General description and operation of the steering column (Chevrolet Captiva 1)

Steering wheel and column

Caution: To ensure that the steering column absorbs energy during a collision, it is very important to use only the specified screws, bolts and nuts and tighten them to the specified torque.

In addition to the steering function, the steering column provides safety and reliability.

The energy-absorbing steering column is designed to compress during a frontal collision, reducing the likelihood of injury to the driver.

The ignition lock and switch are mounted on the column, allowing the ignition and steering functions to be blocked to prevent theft of the vehicle.

The levers on the steering column are used to control the direction indicators, headlights, and windshield wipers and washers.

The tilt steering column uses a ball joint that allows the column to tilt up and down. This allows the driver to position the steering wheel to a comfortable position.

Note: When assembling, apply a thin layer of lithium grease to all rubbing surfaces.

The column can be easily disassembled and assembled.

Forgotten ignition key indicator

The ignition key forget indicator is used to warn the driver that the key is left in the ignition switch when the driver attempts to leave the vehicle.

An internal switch in the ignition lock cylinder supplies battery voltage to the horn module when all of the following conditions are true:

• The key is in the ignition.
• The ignition is off.
• The driver's door is open.

For information on removing and installing the indicator sound module, see section 9E, "Instruments/Driver Information System".

Tightening torques for threaded connections

Application	Nm	Pound foot	Pound-inch
Keyhole lamp	2,5	-	22
Ignition switch mounting screw	2,5	-	22
Steering Column Assembly Upper Bracket Bolts	22	16	-
Steering Column Assembly Lower Bracket Bolt	25	18	-
Steering shaft universal joint tie bolt	34	25	-
Steering wheel nut	41	30	-
Upper and lower steering column cover panel screws	1.5	-	13

Table of special tools

[The article is based on data from the website: chevyman]