Abstract: A telescoping steering shaft includes a first shaft (16) having a polygonal-shaped bore (18) receiving for reciprocation therein a polygonal-shaped second shaft (12) having a tapered end (13). The polygonal-shaped second shaft (12) has a through axial opening (14) receiving a connecting rod (20) therein, the rod having a nut-shaped end (26) located adjacent the tapered end (13) of the second shaft (12) and the other end (15) being threaded to receive a lever (24) thereon. A collet nut (31) is mounted on the rod (20) adjacent the nut-shaped end (26) and has a plurality of axially extending projections (36) each including at least one surface (37 or 38) disposed parallel to an adjacent surface of the polygonal bore (18) and an interior axially inclined surface (35) disposed adjacent the tapered end (13).

Abstract: A retaining ring (30) includes a cone-shaped, resilient rim (32) which defines a Belleville-type spring. A plurality of resilient teeth (36) extend radially inwardly or radially outwardly from one of the inner or outer edges of the rim, respectively. The retaining ring is receivable onto a shaft or into a housing bore where the resilient teeth (36) engage an annular groove (28) to retain the ring. The Belleville-type spring portion of the retaining ring provides a continuous axial force and allows for the resilient take-up of manufacturing tolerances in assemblies employing the retaining ring.

Abstract: A variable length steering column assembly provides a telescoping polygonal tube and shaft. A spring clip is engageable with the tube and the shaft in order to eliminate any torsional lash therebetween and to provide for axial movement between the shaft and tube when the axial forces therebetween exceed a predetermined value. The spring clip is releasably connected to the tube and shaft through openings on the tube. One end of the spring clip engages the side wall of a tube opening and the other end extends through another tube opening to engage the shaft. The spring clip extends over the outer circumference of the tube and is releasably connected to the tube and shaft so that the spring clip is easily disconnected from its engaged position with the tube and shaft remaining in telescoping relation.