1995 Nissan Pickup Steering Column Cover

The 1995 Nissan Pickup, a workhorse of its era, boasts a simple yet functional design. Even seemingly mundane components, like the steering column cover, contribute to the overall driving experience and safety. This article delves into the anatomy of the 1995 Nissan Pickup's steering column cover, exploring its construction, purpose, and common issues.

Dissecting the Structure

The steering column cover isn't a single piece, but rather an assembly designed to encase the steering column – the critical link between the steering wheel and the steering mechanism. It's typically comprised of two main halves, an upper and a lower shell, often molded from a durable, impact-resistant plastic like ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene). These halves are designed to interlock, creating a secure housing around the column.

Material Selection: Why Plastic?

The choice of plastic isn't arbitrary. Plastic offers several advantages over metal in this application. Firstly, it's lightweight, reducing overall vehicle weight and contributing to better fuel economy. Secondly, it's relatively inexpensive to manufacture in complex shapes via injection molding. This allows for features like integrated mounting points for switches and stalks, and ergonomic contours for driver comfort. Thirdly, plastic offers inherent vibration damping properties, which can help to minimize noise and rattles emanating from the steering column area. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, plastic can be engineered to break or deform in a controlled manner during a collision, contributing to occupant safety by absorbing energy and preventing sharp edges from causing injury. The specific type of plastic used, such as ABS, is chosen for its balance of strength, rigidity, and impact resistance.

Assembly and Fasteners

The two halves of the steering column cover are typically joined using screws or clips. The screw locations are often strategically placed in recessed areas to maintain a smooth, clean aesthetic. In some cases, small plastic tabs or clips provide additional retention. These clips are designed for easy assembly but can be fragile and prone to breakage, particularly during disassembly and reassembly. It's crucial to exercise caution when removing the steering column cover to avoid damaging these clips. The screws are usually self-tapping screws designed to thread directly into the plastic. Over-tightening these screws can strip the threads, leading to a loose or insecure cover. Knowing the correct torque specifications is essential.

Purpose and Functionality

The steering column cover serves multiple critical functions:

Protection: The primary function is to protect the sensitive components housed within the steering column. This includes wiring harnesses for various vehicle systems (lights, wipers, horn, etc.), the ignition switch, and in some cases, parts of the airbag system. Shielding these components from dust, dirt, and accidental damage is paramount.
Safety: As mentioned earlier, the steering column cover plays a role in occupant safety during a collision. Its material properties and design contribute to energy absorption and help to prevent injury. Furthermore, a properly installed cover prevents loose wiring or components from interfering with the steering mechanism, which could lead to a loss of control.
Ergonomics and Aesthetics: The cover provides a smooth, finished appearance to the steering column area, enhancing the overall interior aesthetics of the vehicle. It also provides a comfortable surface for the driver's hands to rest against. The shape and contours of the cover are designed to be ergonomic, minimizing fatigue during long drives. The cover also serves as a mounting point for switches and stalks, placing them within easy reach of the driver.
Noise Reduction: By enclosing the steering column components, the cover helps to dampen vibrations and reduce noise emanating from the steering system. This contributes to a quieter and more comfortable driving experience.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Despite its relatively simple design, the steering column cover can be susceptible to several common issues:

Cracks and Breaks: The plastic material can become brittle over time due to exposure to heat, UV radiation, and repeated stress. This can lead to cracks and breaks, particularly around mounting points and areas of high stress concentration. Replacing the cover is usually the best solution for severe damage.
Loose or Missing Screws: Vibration and repeated use can cause screws to loosen or fall out. This can result in a rattling or loose cover. Replacing the missing screws and tightening the remaining ones can often resolve this issue. Ensure you use the correct type and size of screw to avoid damaging the threads.
Broken Clips: As mentioned earlier, the plastic clips that hold the cover halves together can be fragile and prone to breakage, especially during disassembly. Broken clips can lead to a loose or rattling cover. In some cases, you can repair broken clips with plastic epoxy or replace the entire cover.
Wiring Issues: While not directly a problem with the cover itself, damage to the wiring harnesses housed within the steering column can sometimes be misdiagnosed as a cover issue. Carefully inspect the wiring for any signs of damage, such as frayed wires, loose connections, or corrosion.
Squeaks and Rattles: Even with all fasteners in place, the cover can sometimes develop squeaks or rattles due to friction between the cover halves or between the cover and the steering column. Applying a thin layer of silicone grease to the mating surfaces can often eliminate these noises.

Troubleshooting a Loose or Rattling Cover

If you're experiencing a loose or rattling steering column cover, here's a systematic approach to troubleshooting the issue:

Visual Inspection: Carefully inspect the cover for any signs of cracks, breaks, or missing fasteners. Pay close attention to the mounting points and areas of high stress concentration.
Fastener Check: Check all screws and clips to ensure they are properly tightened and in good condition. Replace any missing or damaged fasteners.
Clip Inspection: Gently try to separate the cover halves to check the integrity of the clips. If any clips are broken, consider repairing them or replacing the cover.
Wiring Inspection: Inspect the wiring harnesses within the steering column for any signs of damage or loose connections.
Noise Isolation: If you're experiencing squeaks or rattles, try to isolate the source of the noise by applying pressure to different areas of the cover while driving or shaking the steering column.

Disassembly and Reassembly Considerations

Removing and reinstalling the steering column cover typically involves the following steps:

Disconnect the Battery: Before working on any electrical components in the vehicle, it's crucial to disconnect the battery to prevent accidental shorts or electrical shocks.
Remove the Steering Wheel (Optional): In some cases, it may be necessary to remove the steering wheel to gain access to the steering column cover fasteners. Consult a repair manual for instructions on safely removing the steering wheel.
Remove Fasteners: Locate and remove all screws and clips that secure the cover halves. Be careful not to strip the screw heads or break the clips.
Separate the Cover Halves: Gently pry apart the cover halves, taking care not to damage the clips or wiring harnesses.
Reassembly: Reinstall the cover in the reverse order, ensuring that all fasteners are properly tightened and that the clips are securely engaged.

Important Note: When working on the steering column, be extremely careful not to damage any of the wiring harnesses or components within the column. Incorrect installation or damage to these components can affect the operation of various vehicle systems, including the airbag system.

Conclusion

The steering column cover of the 1995 Nissan Pickup, while seemingly a simple component, plays a vital role in protecting essential vehicle systems, contributing to occupant safety, and enhancing the overall driving experience. Understanding its construction, purpose, and common issues can empower you to troubleshoot problems effectively and maintain your vehicle in optimal condition. By appreciating the engineering that goes into even the smallest parts, we gain a deeper respect for the ingenuity and craftsmanship behind the 1995 Nissan Pickup.