Patent ID: 9216772
Filing Date: 2015-12-22
Classification: B60K,B62D

Abstract:
1. An instrument panel subassembly, comprising: a cross beam providing a main structural support for the subassembly; an instrument panel substrate mounted to the cross beam; a steering shaft assembly having an upper end with a swivel connection to the substrate and having a lower end for coupling to a steering gear assembly; and a closeout trim panel comprising an elongated strip mounted to the cross beam and having a snap-in retainer slot positioned to temporarily retain the steering shaft assembly prior to final coupling to the steering gear assembly at a substantially fixed position which is spaced away from a final position of the steering shaft assembly when coupled to the steering gear assembly, wherein the retainer slot flexes to permit manual insertion and removal of the steering shaft assembly and wherein the steering shaft assembly is restrained from pivoting about the swivel connection when snapped into the retainer slot.