Abstract: A steering column assembly comprises an outer jacket extending along an axis and defining a central opening for placing a steering shaft and a bearing assembly. A bearing retainer is located in the outer jacket for axially retaining the bearing assembly in the outer jacket. The bearing retainer comprises a first surface spaced from a second surface by an outer edge and an inner edge. The inner edge defines an opening for placement of the steering shaft. The bearing retainer includes a first spring finger extending from the first surface away from the second surface at an angle and a second spring finger extending from the second surface away from the first surface at an angle.

Abstract: A steering column assembly comprises an outer jacket extending along an axis and defining a central opening for placing a steering shaft and a bearing assembly. A bearing retainer is located in the outer jacket for axially retaining the bearing assembly in the outer jacket. The bearing retainer comprises a first surface spaced from a second surface by an outer edge and an inner edge. The inner edge defines an opening for placement of the steering shaft. The bearing retainer includes a first spring finger extending from the first surface away from the second surface at an angle and a second spring finger extending from the second surface away from the first surface at an angle.

Abstract: An adjustment lever deceleration assembly for a steering column includes an adjustment lever rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The adjustment lever deceleration assembly also includes a component positioned proximate the adjustment lever, the component rotating at a speed less than a rotational speed of the adjustment lever during adjustment between the locked position to the unlocked position. The adjustment lever deceleration assembly further includes an adjustment lever decelerator integrally formed with the adjustment lever, the adjustment lever decelerator positioned on the adjustment lever to contact the component during rotation of the adjustment lever toward the unlocked position, wherein the adjustment lever deflects and absorbs energy upon contact with the component.

Abstract: A collapse-limiting assembly for a steering system is provided. The collapse-limiting assembly comprises a housing and a moveable member. A pyrotechnic charge is located in the housing and, in response to an impact event, is caused to fire the moveable member into a discharged position and limit the amount of collapse of a steering column. The steering column includes at least two axially moveable portions that move axially relative to each other between an extended position and a retracted position. When the moveable member is fired into the discharged position, it is located in a travel path of at least one of the axially moveable portions.

Abstract: A rake lever assembly for a steering column is provided. The steering column is adjustable in an unlocked position of the rake lever assembly and is in a fixed position in a locked position of the rake lever assembly. The rake lever assembly includes a rake lever, the lever being rotatable for moving the clamping arrangement between the locked position and the unlocked position. The rake lever assembly also includes a metal stamping press fit to the rake lever.

Abstract: An adjustment lever deceleration assembly for a steering column includes an adjustment lever rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The adjustment lever deceleration assembly also includes a component positioned proximate the adjustment lever, the component rotating at a speed less than a rotational speed of the adjustment lever during adjustment between the locked position to the unlocked position. The adjustment lever deceleration assembly further includes an adjustment lever decelerator integrally formed with the adjustment lever, the adjustment lever decelerator positioned on the adjustment lever to contact the component during rotation of the adjustment lever toward the unlocked position, wherein the adjustment lever deflects and absorbs energy upon contact with the component.

Abstract: A rake lever assembly for a steering column is provided. The steering column is adjustable in an unlocked position of the rake lever assembly and is in a fixed position in a locked position of the rake lever assembly. The rake lever assembly includes a rake lever, the lever being rotatable for moving the clamping arrangement between the locked position and the unlocked position. The rake lever assembly also includes a metal stamping press fit to the rake lever.

Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly for a vehicle is provided. The assembly includes a lower jacket. The assembly also includes an upper jacket at least partially received within the lower jacket, the upper jacket telescopingly moveable relative to the lower jacket. The assembly further includes a collapse limiter having an inner strap and an outer strap, the inner strap being at least partially nested within the outer strap, the collapse limiter being moveable with the upper jacket to provide a collapse distance of the collapsible steering column assembly that is constant regardless of a telescopic position of the upper jacket.

Abstract: A collapse-limiting assembly for a steering system is provided. The collapse-limiting assembly comprises a housing and a moveable member. A pyrotechnic charge is located in the housing and, in response to an impact event, is caused to fire the moveable member into a discharged position and limit the amount of collapse of a steering column. The steering column includes at least two axially moveable portions that move axially relative to each other between an extended position and a retracted position. When the moveable member is fired into the discharged position, it is located in a travel path of at least one of the axially moveable portions.

Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly for a vehicle is provided. The assembly includes a lower jacket. The assembly also includes an upper jacket at least partially received within the lower jacket, the upper jacket telescopingly moveable relative to the lower jacket. The assembly further includes a collapse limiter having an inner strap and an outer strap, the inner strap being at least partially nested within the outer strap, the collapse limiter being moveable with the upper jacket to provide a collapse distance of the collapsible steering column assembly that is constant regardless of a telescopic position of the upper jacket.

Abstract: A lever assembly includes a lever, a first lever member, and a second lever member. The first lever member has a first lever member first portion and a first lever member second portion. The first lever member first portion defines a first opening and a notch. The second lever member defines a tab that extends into the notch and a first post that extends into the first opening to connect the second lever member to the first lever member first portion.

Abstract: A steering column assembly that includes a rake bracket and a rake bolt assembly. The rake bracket is disposed on a jacket assembly that extends along a steering column axis. The rake bracket defines an opening and rake bracket teeth. The rake bolt assembly includes a rake bolt that extends through the opening along a rake bolt axis and a rake element that is disposed about the rake bolt. The rake element has a toothed region defining rake teeth that engage the first rake bracket teeth and a non-toothed region defining a flag.

Abstract: A steering column assembly that includes a rake bracket and a rake bolt assembly. The rake bracket is disposed on a jacket assembly that extends along a steering column axis. The rake bracket defines an opening and rake bracket teeth. The rake bolt assembly includes a rake bolt that extends through the opening along a rake bolt axis and a rake element that is disposed about the rake bolt. The rake element has a toothed region defining rake teeth that engage the first rake bracket teeth and a non-toothed region defining a flag.

Abstract: A lever assembly includes a lever, a first lever member, and a second lever member. The first lever member has a first lever member first portion and a first lever member second portion. The first lever member first portion defines a first opening and a notch. The second lever member defines a tab that extends into the notch and a first post that extends into the first opening to connect the second lever member to the first lever member first portion.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a jacket assembly and a modular shift assembly that is operatively connected to the jacket assembly. The modular shift assembly includes a shift bracket, a shaft, and a shift clevis. The shift bracket has a first shift bracket portion that defines a shift bracket first opening and a second shift bracket portion. The second shift bracket portion defines a shift bracket second opening. The shaft has a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion. The second shaft portion is at least partially received within the shift bracket opening. The shift clevis extends at least partially through the first shaft opening.

Abstract: An adjustment lever deceleration assembly for a steering column includes an adjustment lever moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position. Also included is a clamp bolt operatively coupled to the adjustment lever. Further included is an adjustment lever decelerator operatively coupled to the clamp bolt, the adjustment lever having a base portion and at least one lobe extending from the base portion, the at least one lobe connected to the base portion by a hinge portion. Yet further included is a stationary component engageable with the at least one lobe upon rotation of the clamp bolt toward the unlocked position of the adjustment lever to decelerate the adjustment lever.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a jacket assembly and a bracket. The bracket has a first end portion defining a first opening and a second end portion defining a second opening. The second end portion overlaps the first end portion such that the second opening and the first opening are proximately aligned.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a jacket assembly and a modular shift assembly that is operatively connected to the jacket assembly. The modular shift assembly includes a shift bracket, a shaft, and a shift clevis. The shift bracket has a first shift bracket portion that defines a shift bracket first opening and a second shift bracket portion. The second shift bracket portion defines a shift bracket second opening. The shaft has a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion. The second shaft portion is at least partially received within the shift bracket opening. The shift clevis extends at least partially through the first shaft opening.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes an energy absorption assembly. The energy absorption assembly includes an energy absorption strap, a bracket, a pin, and a cam member. The energy absorption strap includes a plurality of engagement members. The bracket is disposed on at least one of a lower jacket assembly and an upper jacket assembly. The bracket has a first wall disposed opposite a second wall. The pin extends through the first wall and the second wall to couple the cam member to the bracket. The cam member has a plurality of complementary engagement members configured to engage the plurality of engagement members.