Shaft assembly for use in steering systems

An apparatus for transmitting force between a steering wheel and a steering gear that is operable to turn steerable wheels of a vehicle, said apparatus comprising:

• a shaft assembly comprising a first shaft portion having a telescoping length and a second shaft portion having a telescoping length, said first and second shaft portions each having a longitudinal axis, said shaft assembly having a first end operatively connected to the steering gear and an opposite second end operatively connected to the steering wheel;
• a bearing assembly connected to a portion of the vehicle, said bearing assembly supporting said first shaft portion for rotation about its longitudinal axis;
• and
• a containment structure for limiting movement of the longitudinal axis of said first shaft portion relative to the portion of the vehicle upon breakage of said bearing assembly.