Passenger Compartment Cross Beam: Description and Operation
Magnesium Instrument Panel SupportInstrument Panel Support
The Instrument Panel Support is a one-piece component comprised of a magnesium steering column support (Fig. 1.21), which holds the instrumentation and steering column; a die-formed tube attaches to the passenger side and supports the dashboard. This assembly functions as a structural cross-vehicle beam, air-bag support, and instrument panel carrier, which consolidates many different steel and plastic components.
The magnesium instrument panel support is designed to deform and absorb energy generated by a severe impact.
NOTE: Under no circumstance is the magnesium support to be repaired in any way. If any of the following conditions are present after a collision, the magnesium support must be replaced:
- Steering column capsules have released or column has collapsed.
- The steel knee bolster brackets are bent.
- The parts which attach to the magnesium support do not fit.