Abstract: A column support for use with a steering wheel and concentrically extending steering shaft of a vehicle. The vehicle further includes an occupant compartment defined in part by a dashboard and a floorboard. A generally elongate and internally hollowed tubular member is constructed of a grade steel material with first and second ends and through which extends the steering shaft. The first end of the tubular member terminates in a mounting bracket which secures the column support at a first location to the vehicle floorboard. A structural member is constructed of a second material and extends from an exterior of the tubular member at a selected location to its second end. The structural member includes first and second breakaway tabs at laterally extending mounting locations for securing said column support at a second location to an underside of the vehicle dashboard.

Abstract: A steering column support bracket includes a molded plastic frame having a pair of laterally spaced apart side braces, a front brace interconnecting the front ends of the side braces, and an intermediate brace located between the front and rear ends of the side braces. An X-shaped truss has legs extending diagonally between the side braces and between the intermediate brace and the rear ends of the side braces.