Abstract: An apparatus (40) for transmitting force between a steering wheel (28) and a steering gear (26) that is operable to turn steerable wheels (14) of a vehicle (10). The apparatus (40) includes a shaft assembly (42) including a pair of telescoping shaft portions (52, 54) rotatable about a common axis (56) to effect vehicle steering. A bearing (60) that supports at least one of the shaft portions (52, 54) for rotation about the common axis (56). A support (244) for the bearing (260) is breakable when the shaft portions (52, 54) are blocked from telescoping movement. A containment structure (280) permits limited movement of the shaft portions (52, 54) transverse to the common axis (56) in the event that the support (244) breaks.