Lincoln Navigator: Steering Column / Steering Column - Overview. Description and Operation

Steering Column Overview

The steering column is the mechanical linkage between the steering wheel and the steering gear. The steering wheel is mounted to a shaft which passes through the center of the steering column to the intermediate shaft, which connects to the steering gear. The intermediate shaft and steering column shaft both utilize integrated U-joint type couplings.

Vehicles may be equipped with a manual or power tilt/telescoping steering column with memory. Vehicles with the manual tilt/telescopic steering column are controlled by a mechanical lever on the underside of the steering column to lock and unlock the steering column.

Vehicles with the power tilt/telescopic steering column are controlled by operating the steering column control switch, using the steering column tilt/telescopic motors to achieve the desired steering column position. The steering column can be adjusted up or down and in or out to the desired position. The power tilt/telescopic steering column is also part of the driver memory feature, positioning the seat, column and mirrors to programmed positions.

The steering column consists of the following components:

• Steering wheel
• SCCM
• Telescopic and tilt motors (power adjustable steering column with memory)
• Steering column control switch (power adjustable steering column with memory)