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.