Steering Column: Exposed!

[Rasmus]

Thought a few of you might like to see the internal parts of a Subaru steering column. This is my 2006 WRX column blown apart.


The three main parts. Collapsible Steering Shaft (the part you don't see). Upper Steering column. Lower Steering column, which is just press fit with a hint of friction into the upper.


Upper needle bearing. Tabs on the column are bent over preventing removal. Steering shaft sits inside the inner race pictured.


Lower needle bearing sits inside this rubber grommet which is just gently press fit in the lower column. Shaft rides in contact with the bearings. No race between them.


Ignition switch and other electronics. I think that the light ring in the upper right hand corner contains the antenna for the Integrated Body Unit. That is, the reader for the RFID chip in the key.


Close up of the steering mechanical lockout.

[FFRSpec72]

Something wrong, it's not rusty

[svanlare]

Love the photos, I'm assuming there is some weight reduction in mind here.

[Santiago]

Very cool - and very helpful! I was planning on pulling mine apart and this just gave me a jump start on what to anticipate.

I'm tempted to ditch the tilt function for weight reduction (mine's an R), but since I expect other drivers to use it I should probably keep it. Looking forward to seeing what the weight penalty is for doing this...if you are planning on trimming yours down. =)

Best,
-j

[Rasmus]

I'm assuming there is some weight reduction in mind here.

Me?! Weight reduction? Never.

[Scargo]

No thoughts of a custom racing shaft? Couldn't you just give someone that shaft?

[Santiago]

No thoughts of a custom racing shaft?

I had those thoughts. Rejected them. I did mostly because I was able to get an OEM one in good condition for stupid cheap ($60 shipped)...that and they can be trimmed down to be pretty light or retain a tilt function for a small weight penalty. All you need is a weld-on adapter (I'm thinking Woodward) and you've got very close to the same thing for 1/3 the cost of their full shaft kits.

Best,
-j

[longislandwrx]

Thank you for exposing your shaft to us. This is very helpful, what keeps the upper needle bearing from going farther into the column... is there a ridge?

[Rasmus]

Looking up at the bearing and race.






There appears to be some sort of pressed in or formed ridge, or perhaps that's just the outer race. It's not welded in based on the lack of welding hot spots on the tube. Perhaps it was formed during the swedging process that narrowed that section of the upper steering column tube. Or, after swedging, a short section of the tube was drilled to a depth of 10mm leaving a ridge for the outer race to sit against.

Thank you for exposing your shaft to us.

If anyone would like any more close up shots of my shaft, just ask; I'll try to accommodate your request.

[STiPWRD]

If anyone would like any more close up shots of my shaft, just ask; I'll try to accommodate your request.

Zing!