Abstract: A mounting for an adjustable steering column comprising a support (6) for rotatably carrying a column member, a bracket (1) carrying the support, the support (6) being movable relative to the bracket in two mutually perpendicular directions, two rack and pinions sets (16,17,18,19 and 22,23,24,25) connected between the bracket (1) and the support (6) such that movement of the support (6) relative to the bracket in each of the mutually perpendicular directions causes the pinions (18,19,24,25) to roll relative to their racks (16,17,22,23) of respective rack and pinion sets, and clamping means (32,36,38) for clamping the bracket to the support by increasing the frictional forces opposing the relative movement of the racks and the pinions.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for a motor vehicle comprises three shaft parts (1, 7, 8) connected by universal joints (6, 9) and arranged along non-coincident axes. A jacket (13) surrounding the upper shaft part and fixed to the vehicle body includes a collapsable energy-absorbing element (16). The upper shaft part (1) is rotatably mounted in the jacket (13) by an upper thrust bearing (18) and a lower bearing (19). The lower bearing (19) includes a bearing member (20) which disengages from the jacket (13) during downward movement of the upper shaft part (1) under impact loads so that the shaft part (1) can move radially relative to the jacket.

Abstract: A steering column assembly having upper and lower telescoping shaft sections, a jacket surrounding the upper shaft section and an extensible deforming member surrounding the jacket and connected at one end thereto. A U-shaped clamp clamps onto the deforming member and is pivotably mounted to a mounting bracket. The deformable member slides through the clamp upon manual adjustment of the steeing shafts to form a steering column of a desired length but, upon impact, the clamp pivots with respect to the mounting bracket and increases its clamping force upon the deformable member to prevent sliding of the jacket.