Abstract: A vehicle steering column assembly includes a first shaft having a first shaft cavity extending from an end of the first shaft. Also included is a second shaft operatively coupled to the first shaft, the second shaft having a second shaft cavity disposed therein. Further included is a torsion bar disposed within the first shaft cavity and the second shaft cavity. Yet further included is a stop tooth extending from the first shaft. Also included is a worm gear defining a slot with a slot wall, a first portion of the slot wall configured to engage a first side of the stop tooth to define a first radial boundary of the worm gear, a second portion of the slot wall configured to engage a second side of the stop tooth to define a second radial boundary of the worm gear.

Abstract: A vehicle steering column assembly includes a first shaft having a first shaft cavity extending from an end of the first shaft. Also included is a second shaft operatively coupled to the first shaft, the second shaft having a second shaft cavity disposed therein. Further included is a torsion bar disposed within the first shaft cavity and the second shaft cavity. Yet further included is a stop tooth extending from the first shaft. Also included is a worm gear defining a slot with a slot wall, a first portion of the slot wall configured to engage a first side of the stop tooth to define a first radial boundary of the worm gear, a second portion of the slot wall configured to engage a second side of the stop tooth to define a second radial boundary of the worm gear.

Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention an eccentric adjuster assembly is provided. The eccentric adjuster assembly includes a housing, an eccentric adjuster, an axial retainer, and an eccentric adjuster retainer configured to retain the eccentric adjuster relative to the housing, the eccentric adjuster having an eccentric adjuster radial position and an eccentric adjuster axial position. The eccentric adjuster retainer includes a retainer body having an inner perimeter with a cavity disposed therein and an outer perimeter, the eccentric adjuster extending through the cavity and at least a portion of the outer perimeter engaging the housing to retain the eccentric adjuster radial position relative to the housing.

Abstract: A power-assisted steering system includes a control shaft arranged along a control shaft axis. An assist drive shaft defines a drive shaft axis and is arranged in a plane that is substantially transverse to the control shaft axis. The assist drive shaft is supported relative to the vehicle structure by a first bearing assembly and a second bearing assembly. A worm is disposed about the assist drive shaft. A worm gear is coupled to the control shaft, and the worm gear and control shaft are configured for rotation about the control shaft axis. The worm gear is configured for engaging the worm such that rotation of the worm and the assist drive shaft about the drive shaft axis causes rotation of the worm gear and the control shaft about the control shaft axis. The first bearing assembly is configured as an eccentric bearing assembly.

Abstract: A bearing isolator assembly comprises an inner support member, an outer support member, a resilient member, and an elastomeric ring. A path of travel is defined between the inner support member and the outer support member. The resilient member is disposed between the inner support member and the outer support member and is configured to resist compression between the inner support member and the outer support member within a first portion of the path of travel. The outer support member defines a ring envelope, in which the elastomeric ring is disposed. The inner support member defines a ring compression surface, and the elastomeric ring is configured to resist compression between the ring compression surface of the inner support member and the ring compression surface of the outer support member within a second portion of the path of travel.

Abstract: A bearing isolator assembly comprises an inner support member, an outer support member, a resilient member, an elastomeric ring, and a support cap disposed over a bearing surface defined by the inner support member or the outer support member. A path of travel is defined between the inner support member and the outer support member. The resilient member is disposed between the inner support member and the outer support member and is configured to resist compression between the inner support member and the outer support member within a first portion of the path of travel. The outer support member defines a ring envelope, in which the elastomeric ring is disposed. The inner support member defines a ring compression surface, and the elastomeric ring is configured to resist compression between the ring compression surface of the inner support member and the ring compression surface of the outer support member within a second portion of the path of travel.

Abstract: The invention provides a lever assembly for controlling a lock of a steering column assembly. The lever assembly includes a first lever portion pivotable about a locking axis between a locked position for substantially preventing adjusting movement of a steering column assembly and an unlocked position spaced from the locked position. The steering column assembly is moveable in adjusting movement when the first lever portion is in the unlocked position. The lever assembly also includes a second lever portion defining a handle portion and operable to rotate about the locking axis. The lever assembly also includes a lost motion linkage disposed between the first lever portion and the second lever portion. The lost motion linkage is operable to transmit rotation of the second lever portion about the locking axis to pivot the first lever portion between the locked position and the unlocked position.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column for a vehicle and a bushing for the adjustable steering column are provided. The adjustable steering column includes a column jacket having a lower jacket extending along a first axis and an upper jacket telescopically coupled to and extending with the lower jacket. The lower and upper shafts are configured to selectively move telescopically relative to one another for telescope adjustment of the steering column. The adjustable steering column also includes a bushing positioned between the lower jacket and the upper jacket, the bushing including a support portion extending along a length between the lower jacket and upper jacket, the support portion including a first seating area, and a roller portion positioned in the first seating area, the roller portion configured to engage at least one of an outer surface of the lower jacket and an inner surface of the upper jacket.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column for a vehicle and a bushing for the adjustable steering column are provided. The adjustable steering column includes a column jacket having a lower jacket extending along a first axis and an upper jacket telescopically coupled to and extending with the lower jacket. The lower and upper shafts are configured to selectively move telescopically relative to one another for telescope adjustment of the steering column. The adjustable steering column also includes a bushing positioned between the lower jacket and the upper jacket, the bushing including a support portion extending along a length between the lower jacket and upper jacket, the support portion including a first seating area, and a roller portion positioned in the first seating area, the roller portion configured to engage at least one of an outer surface of the lower jacket and an inner surface of the upper jacket.

Abstract: A power-assisted steering system includes a control shaft arranged along a control shaft axis. An assist drive shaft defines a drive shaft axis and is arranged in a plane that is substantially transverse to the control shaft axis. The assist drive shaft is supported relative to the vehicle structure by a first bearing assembly and a second bearing assembly. A worm is disposed about the assist drive shaft. A worm gear is coupled to the control shaft, and the worm gear and control shaft are configured for rotation about the control shaft axis. The worm gear is configured for engaging the worm such that rotation of the worm and the assist drive shaft about the drive shaft axis causes rotation of the worm gear and the control shaft about the control shaft axis. The first bearing assembly is configured as an eccentric bearing assembly.

Abstract: A bearing isolator assembly comprises an inner support member, an outer support member, a resilient member, an elastomeric ring, and a support cap disposed over a bearing surface defined by the inner support member or the outer support member. A path of travel is defined between the inner support member and the outer support member. The resilient member is disposed between the inner support member and the outer support member and is configured to resist compression between the inner support member and the outer support member within a first portion of the path of travel. The outer support member defines a ring envelope, in which the elastomeric ring is disposed. The inner support member defines a ring compression surface, and the elastomeric ring is configured to resist compression between the ring compression surface of the inner support member and the ring compression surface of the outer support member within a second portion of the path of travel.

Abstract: A steering column having a mounting bracket and a self-loosening capsule assembly configured for attachment to an adjacent vehicle component is provided. The mounting bracket includes an installation slot, a flange extending within the installation slot and a bracket keying mechanism positioned at a periphery of the installation slot. The self-loosening capsule assembly is received in the installation slot, and includes a capsule and capsule nut. The capsule includes a head and a body extending from the head, the body having a threaded outer surface, the head having a larger outer diameter than the body. The capsule nut includes a threaded inner surface for threaded coupling to the capsule and is movable so as to apply a first clamping force to the flange of the mounting bracket between the head and the capsule nut and a keying mechanism configured to interface with the bracket keying mechanism.

Abstract: A steering column assembly has an outer jacket extending, an inner jacket is slideably disposed in the outer jacket for telescoping movement relative to the outer jacket, and a sleeve disposed between the inner and outer jackets. The sleeve exerts a predetermined frictional force on the inner jacket opposing the telescoping movement. A filler formed from a liquid thermosetting composition is disposed between the sleeve and the outer jacket for securing the sleeve to the outer jacket. Furthermore, a method of forming the steering column assembly includes disposing the inner jacket into the outer jacket and disposing the sleeve between the inner and outer jackets. The method further includes inserting the liquid thermosetting composition into the outer jacket between the outer jacket and the sleeve and curing the liquid thermosetting composition to form the filler.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column assembly having a repositionable steering column and a break-away lever arm. The lever arm has a first mounting interface and an adjustment assembly member operably coupled with the steering column has a second mounting interface. Engagement of the first and second mounting interfaces mounts the lever arm on the adjustment assembly member. Movement of the lever arm rotates the adjustment assembly member to facilitate the repositioning of the steering column. Applying a breakaway force exceeding a threshold value to the lever arm disengages the mounted lever arm from the adjustment assembly member by relative translational movement between the first and second mounting interfaces. Some embodiments employ a threaded fastener installed to a predetermined torque to bias the first and second mounting interfaces into engagement. The threaded fastener can be installed such that it may be non-frangibly disengaged by displacement through the open end of a slot.

Abstract: A bearing assembly includes an inner race having a first inner race half and a second inner race half, and an outer race having a first outer race half and a second outer race. The first inner race half and the second inner race half cooperate to define an inner annular groove, and the first outer race half and the second outer race half cooperate to define an outer annular groove. A plurality of rollers is disposed within the inner annular groove and the outer annular groove in rolling engagement with the inner race and the outer race. An inner coupling mechanism couples the first inner race and the second inner race together, and an outer coupling mechanism couples the first outer race and the second outer race together.

Abstract: A bearing assembly includes an inner race having a first inner race half and a second inner race half, and an outer race having a first outer race half and a second outer race. The first inner race half and the second inner race half cooperate to define an inner annular groove, and the first outer race half and the second outer race half cooperate to define an outer annular groove. A plurality of rollers is disposed within the inner annular groove and the outer annular groove in rolling engagement with the inner race and the outer race. An inner coupling mechanism couples the first inner race and the second inner race together, and an outer coupling mechanism couples the first outer race and the second outer race together.

Abstract: A bearing includes a first inner race half and a second inner race half, and a first outer race half and a second outer race half. A cage defining a plurality of openings supports a plurality of rollers. The bearing is assembled by positioning the first inner race half on a mandrel and the first outer race half on a work support, positioning the cage with the rollers supported in the openings adjacent to and concentric with the first inner race half and the first outer race half. The second inner race half and the second outer race half are positioned adjacent the first inner race half and the first outer race half respectively. The first inner race half and the second inner race half, and the first outer race half and the second outer race half are then bonded together to form the bearing assembly.

Abstract: A bearing includes a first inner race half and a second inner race half, and a first outer race half and a second outer race half. A cage defining a plurality of openings supports a plurality of rollers. The bearing is assembled by positioning the first inner race half on a mandrel and the first outer race half on a work support, positioning the cage with the rollers supported in the openings adjacent to and concentric with the first inner race half and the first outer race half. The second inner race half and the second outer race half are positioned adjacent the first inner race half and the first outer race half respectively. The first inner race half and the second inner race half, and the first outer race half and the second outer race half are then bonded together to form the bearing assembly.

Abstract: A telescoping steering column assembly includes upper and lower jackets having inner and outer surfaces and telescoping ends, respectively, and two sleeves disposed therebetween and having an annular cavity defined within each of the sleeves to hold bearings therewithin. One bearing is connected to the outer jacket and the other bearing is connected to the inner jacket. A method of making the assembly includes the steps of disposing the inner jacket within the outer jacket followed by disposing the sleeves therebetween and injecting a plastic material therethrough to form bearings. The plastic material is extracted from one of the apertures in each of the jackets to provide a sliding engagement between one of the bearing and the inner jacket and another bearing and the outer jacket.

Abstract: A steering column assembly has an outer jacket extending, an inner jacket is slideably disposed in the outer jacket for telescoping movement relative to the outer jacket, and a sleeve disposed between the inner and outer jackets. The sleeve exerts a predetermined frictional force on the inner jacket opposing the telescoping movement. A filler formed from a liquid thermosetting composition is disposed between the sleeve and the outer jacket for securing the sleeve to the outer jacket. Furthermore, a method of forming the steering column assembly includes disposing the inner jacket into the outer jacket and disposing the sleeve between the inner and outer jackets. The method further includes inserting the liquid thermosetting composition into the outer jacket between the outer jacket and the sleeve and curing the liquid thermosetting composition to form the filler.