Our steering axles undergo safety-critical testing from start to finish to ensure quality and reliability. We perform a number of standard tests including push-out force testing of rivets, bearing caps and weld/crimp/crimp nuts, ultimate strength, high cycle fatigue and low cycle fatigue torsion testing, maximum torsional angle clearance of fork/axle subassemblies Tensile load test, salt spray test according to ASTM B117, vehicle assembly test, inner/outer shaft retention force test, inner/outer shaft sliding force test, U-joint rotation moment test, collapse force test, and the entire production process based on Constant dimension verification of gages. These tests ensure that our steering axles remain safe and reliable in all conditions.
The importance of a safely designed steering shaft is self-evident, as it connects the steering wheel to the vehicle’s steering mechanism, such as the steering gearbox or steering rack. In addition to facilitating steering, the steering shaft also plays a key role during a collision, absorbing the energy generated by the collision and reducing the impact on the driver. Our modern steering columns are collapsible and consist of an inner and outer sleeve. In a frontal collision, the sleeve compresses like a telescope, allowing the steering column to absorb the energy generated by the collision, thus protecting the driver’s safety.