Abstract: A tilt steering wheel in a vehicle is provided which can be locked in selected positions by a mechanism that includes a rod having pivot connections with stationary and movable components of the steering column. A rotatable locking sleeve encircles the rod to form a rigid connection between the rod and one of the pivot connections. Mesh teeth on the rod and sleeve prevent the sleeve from moving in the elongated direction. By rotating the sleeve on the rod it is possible to shift the teeth out of mesh such that the rod can move longitudinally to set the steering column in a selected position. The sleeve has a slot with major and minor portions and in the locking position the minor portion captures a pivot shaft of the steering column and prevents relative movement of the rod with respect to the pivot shaft.