Lexus ES300 (1997 year). Manual — part 20

78

CHASSIS — SUSPENSION

STEERING COLUMN

1. Tilt Mechanism

The tilt mechanism consists of a tilt lever, pawl, upper column tube, lower column tube, tension spring
and compression spring.
A hole is provided at the tip of the tilt lever, into which the pawl pin is inserted.
Because the pawl pin is inserted into the hole at the tip of the lever, moving the tilt lever causes the pawl
to move downward. As a result, the ratchet of the lower column tube and the ratchet of the pawl disengage
from each other to release the tilt lock.
Releasing the tilt lever causes the lever (which is under spring tension) to return. Accordingly, the pawl
is pushed upward, causing the ratchet of the column tube and the ratchet of the pawl to engage with each
other, thus locking the tilt lock.

79

CHASSIS — STEERING

2. Energy Absorbing Mechanism

Construction

The energy absorbing mechanism of the
steering column consists of a lower bracket,
breakaway bracket and energy absorbing
plate.
The breakaway bracket is attached to the
instrument panel reinforcement via the
capsule and the energy absorbing plate.
The steering column and steering gear box are
connected with an elastic intermediate shaft.

Operation

The collision is transmitted to the steering wheel, the lower bracket and the breakaway bracket will become
detached from each other, thus moving the entire unit forward. At the same time, the energy absorbing plate
becomes deformed to absorb the energy of the impact.

Energy Absorbing Plate

Before Collision

During Collision

80

BODY — LIGHTWEIGHT AND HIGHLY RIGID BODY

BODY

LIGHTWEIGHT AND HIGHLY RIGID BODY

The body of the new ES300 is made highly rigid and lightweight through refinement of the shape and
construction of each part, improved joint rigidity, and increased use of high strength sheet steel.

HIGH STRENGTH SHEET STEEL

Light and highly rigid high strength sheet steel is used for the hood, door panels and members.

81

BODY — LIGHTWEIGHT AND HIGHLY RIGID BODY

BODY SHELL

The body of the new ES300 is made highly rigid through the optimization of the location of
reinforcements, the continuity in underbody members, and via excellent joint
rigidity.

At each pillar, a continuous reinforcement is provided from where the pillar meets the roof, all the way
to the rocker, thus resulting in a strong pillar construction. In addition, the areas where the pillar joins the
roof side rail and the rocker have been strengthened to realize excellent body
rigidity.