Dashboard removal - are Haynes right?

[chiefwhosm]

Hi,
    According to the Haynes manual you have to remove the steering column (and replace the shear bolts on re-fitting). As fasr as I can see the column is attached to the reinforcement section of the dashboard, so do you really have to remove just about everything from the front of the car incl. the likes of the column?

Chief

[F17BAD]

iv just removed and replaced 2 in the last week

you dont have to touch the column

[chiefwhosm]

Thanks, I've never fully trusted Haynes after another manual told me to remove the entire distributor assembly to get at a nut you had access to already, so I was a little wary.

So, Haynes says you need to remove the following...

center console-Tick.
steering column-X
instrument panel
cigarette lighter
radio
windscreen wipers (to get at the motor, to remove the plastic, to get at a bulkhead nut/screw apparently)

Anything out of that list that shouldn't really be needed? I'm trying to access some cabling that I can't quite trace with the trim in place.

Chief

[Wayne]

Yes you do need to remove the scuttle panel but you can leave the steering column in place.

[Len]

You just have to drop it down on the adjuster.

[chiefwhosm]

What adjuster? You mean there's a way of tilting the entire dashboard?

[Wayne]

What adjuster? You mean there's a way of tilting the entire dashboard?

Nope the steering column.

[chiefwhosm]

I take it that's only if you have an adjustable steering column (which I don't)?

[Wayne]

I take it that's only if you have an adjustable steering column (which I don't)?

In that case you may need to drop it down.