What's Rack & Pinion Look Like?

[rmoore]

Here's an image of a rack & pinion steering column showing the sections of the column joined together by knuckle joints and connections. You can also clearly see the dash support pipe running from A-pillar to A-pillar. This is a 2003 VW Jetta system.

When these systems first became commonplace at the beginning of the 1980's, we panicked and said, "Well, that's why we'll never again be able to pull a steering column. The upper portion of the shaft will break off and stab into the trapped driver."

Well, we now have a better handle on this design and have over 20 more years of experience with it. We've proven that you can safely pull a rack & pinion steering column. You just have to watch both the "action" end that moves the column away from the driver as well as watch the "reaction" end that moves the other sections of the column in all different sorts of directions.

Only move the column at a crash scene enough to release the entrapment on the driver. Don't 'hot dog' it.

[lutan1]

You just have to watch both the "action" end that moves the column away from the driver as well as watch the "reaction" end that moves the other sections of the column in all different sorts of directions.

Only move the column at a crash scene enough to release the entrapment on the driver.

Both really good points Ron.

So often we hear people rant and rave about the fact that you can't pull rack and pinion columns, etc. As you've said, be aware of what's being done and only move as far as necessary.

Also, as rescuers, we need to keep our options open and perhaps go for alternative techniques- instead pulling, how about pushing/rolling the dash. How about lifting/jacking the dash, etc

Keep your eyes and brain open to different ideas and alternatives.

[Rescue101]

Or cutting the lower half of the steering wheel ring.T.C.

[Bones42]

Ron,

Have we mentioned what a great thing it is to have a source of information like yourself posting things here? My many Thanks to you sir!