Ford Focus Service Manual: Steering Column - Description and Operation

The steering column consists of the following:

• Steering wheel
• Steering column
• Upper and lower steering column shafts
• Steering column switches

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. The shaft is centered by bearings within the steering column. The steering column shaft then connects the steering column to the steering gear. The upper and lower steering column shaft connections utilize U-joint type couplings. The tilt function of the steering column is controlled by a mechanical lever on the underside of the steering column, which uses a cam to lock and unlock the steering column. When the tilt column lever is unlocked, the steering column can then be adjusted to various positions. The steering column switches (multifunction and ignition) are mounted to the steering column. These switches are covered by the upper and lower steering column shrouds.