Suzuki Wagon R Manual page 155

3C-2 STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
STEERING COLUMN
This double tube type steering column has the following three important features in addition to the steering function:
D The column is energy absorbing, designed to compress in a front-end collision.
D The ignition switch and lock are mounted conveniently on this column.
D With the column mounted lock, the ignition and steering operations can be locked to inhibit theft of the vehicle.
To insure the energy absorbing action, it is important that only the specified screws, bolts, and nuts be used as
designated and that they are tightened to the specified torque.
When the column assembly is removed from the vehicle, special care must be taken in handling it. A sharp blow
on the end of the steering shaft, leaning on the assembly, or dropping the assembly could shear the plastic shear
pins which maintain column length and position.
STEERING WHEEL AND DRIVER AIR BAG (INFLATOR) MODULE
The driver air bag (inflator) module is one of the supplemental restraint air bag system components and is mounted
to the center of the steering wheel.
During certain frontal crashes, the air bag system supplements the restraint of the driver's and/or passenger's seat
belts by deploying the air bag in each air bag (inflator) module.
The air bag (inflator) module should be handled with care to prevent accidental deployment. When servicing, be
sure to observe all WARNINGS and CAUTIONS in this section. Refer to "Precautions" later in this section, and to
SECTION 10B.
DIAGNOSIS
For diagnosis of the steering wheel and steering column, refer to SECTION 3. For diagnosis of the air bag system,
refer to SECTION 10B.
INSPECTION AND REPAIR REQUIRED AFTER ACCIDENT
After an accident, whether the air bag has been deployed or not, be sure to perform inspections and repairs de-
scribed under "Checking Steering Column for Accident Damage" in this section as well as "Repairs and Inspections
Required after Accident" in SECTION 10B.