Variable length steering shaft

摘要

A tubular outer shaft of non-circular cross section, and a solid inner shaft of corresponding non-circular cross section telescoped is inside of the outer shaft. A U-shaped metal spring is disposed over the solid shaft adjacent an outboard end of the tubular shaft with opposite legs of the spring in sliding engagement on corresponding flat sides of the solid shaft. A monolithic plastics sleeve is in situ moulded on the tubular shaft and includes an integral lip closely surrounding the solid shaft. The integral lip captures the relative angular positions of the shaft about a longitudinal centreline of the assembly, i.e. delashes the shafts, defines a slide bearing between the shafts, and rigidly encases the spring. The surfaces of the legs of the spring which bear against the solid shaft are exposed after the sleeve is in situ moulded and define wear plates on the integral plastics lip which protect the lip against abrasion.