2002 Sport 4wd auto- part under steering column-what is it?

[93nav]

Hello,

Someone else did some work on this 2002 sport and this part is left over. I am almost positive it goes under the steering column in the inside under the dash. I can find the bolts it should mount to, but cannot see an easy way of re-installing with out disconnecting a bunch of wires. I am not even sure how they got it out. I think it may be a crash safety piece, but have no idea really.

So...do I need to reinstall or not? Any help appreciated. Anyone have any diagrams showing the piece? I have not been able to find any searching online or thru a few online parts stores. If I do need to reinstall, which side goes to the front?

Thanks again.

 

[96firephoenix]

that is a safety loop... keeps the steering column from coming straight back or going down in a front-on collision. I'd advise the following: remove the steering column entirely, then find the guy that did this and beat him with same.

In all honesty though, you should be able to spot where these mount holes are under the column. if you're lucky, the bolts are still there.

 

[93nav]

Thank you for responding. The bolts are there. I can feel them, but needed to use this to see them. Lots of wires an connectors in the way. I really do not want to be disconnecting them unless I really need to. I will look further tomorrow.

 

[96firephoenix]

shouldn't be too hard to take the trim panel and knee bolster off. in my Ranger, it was like 5x 7mm for the trim, then 4x 10mm for the bolster.

Then the safety loop mounts are exposed and ready to be attached to.