Steering columns

The diversity of today’s steering columns, central elements of the steering system, is almost as great that of vehicles. And the requirements of our partners in the automotive industry also differ widely in this area, depending on vehicle type and class. However, two requirements are always indispensable: the steering columns must allow precise steering and, in case of an accident, they must offer the highest degree of safety.

Fixed columns

Fixed columns are the original form of steering columns. Today, these cost-optimized components are used almost exclusively in particularly inexpensive passenger cars.

Characteristics:

  • Fixed steering columns, cannot be adjusted
  • Low production costs

Mechanically adjustable columns (height and / or length)

Because there are so many different requirements, we have developed a wide variety of mechanically adjustable columns for both incremental and infinitely variable adjustments. All of them feature excellent crash behavior (5 stars, EURO NCAP) with an energy absorption length of up to 150 mm. This is thyssenkrupp’s contribution to safety in upper middle class vehicles produced by manufacturers in Europe, the Americas and Asia.

In addition, we offer steering columns in modular form with adaptive crash behavior. This means that they can differentiate the crash load level depending on how the safety belt is used.

Characteristics:

  • Gear quality of DIN 7 or better
  • Manually adjustable height and length
  • Infinitely variable clamping mechanism
  • Flexible energy absorption system
  • Horizontal crash behavior keeps distance from column to knee constant
  • Few parts due to function integration
  • Light metals used, such as aluminum and magnesium

Electrically adjustable columns (height and / or length)

For luxury class vehicles we offer columns with infinitely variable electrical adjustment (height and / or length). In addition, these components feature a flexible energy absorption system. The special characteristics of these columns include a high degree of stiffness with low weight and very little installation space required. For drivers, they also offer exceptional comfort, thanks to the “easy entry” system and the “memory function”.

Characteristics:

  • Electrically adjustable height and length
  • “Memory function"
  • “Easy entry" function
  • Flexible energy absorption system
  • Axial crash direction and compact design to prevent knee injuries
  • Light metals used, such as aluminum and magnesium

Steering spindles and shafts

Steering spindles and shafts form the internal axis of the column. They transfer torque from the steering wheel to the steering gears. As with the columns, we also produce many versions here with different characteristics.

Characteristics:

  • Versions with column locks
  • Slip clutch
  • Vibration damper elements
  • Versions with telescopic adjustment
  • Column version for “head tilt”