budd

iTrader: (5)

Anyone know the function of this ? see pic,

it bolts on just under the steering column see pic

when removed it leaves 2 mounting brackets one each side of the steering colunm

It looks like some kind of brace/strengthening bar but I can’t see it doing much other than weigh 1kg , but before I consign it to the bin I though I better ask if it as any real purpose,

joey_turbo

iTrader: (26)

Maybe, a big maybe, its to stop the steering wheel height travelling to low when you adjust it.
Mine doesn't travel too far, but its met with a bit of a clunk when set to the lowest setting.

trogg

Might also stop the steering colum collapsing into your groin in the event of a serious frontal impact.

budd

iTrader: (5)

no the column doesn't adjust far enough to hit it, the clunk is probably in the colunm its self, as it reaches it's lowest setting, good thinking though.

I think this is more likely, I guess the point of adjustment is a weakness in the steering column, which could indeed snap in the event of a major shunt, maybe the bracket is a afterthought following crash testing or actual accident feedback, I'll have decide whether the risk of injury is a significant one, afterall the air bags are coming out along with the ABS so I've made a few safety related decisions already I'm hoping the roll cage will offset actual risk