Collapsed Steering Shaft

it may be "ok" for mounting up and turning on the surface, but the two nylon fused inner shaft sections (ie: mopar method) work as part of the collision / impact absorbsion, along with pre-stressed caged outter column sleeve.
With the inner shaft now being compromised, the two shafts will compress (if not already bottomed out) at a faster rate than designed, in the event of a collision, the caged portion will not be enough to absorb all the energy.
you then have a 3ft long, 1" wide hardened steel spike aimed at near dead center of occupant's mass, with little more than a horn button in the way.
The general rule is: once collapsed, it should be replaced.
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Collapsible column[edit]
A common device to enhance car safety is the collapsible steering column. This is designed to collapse in the event of a collision to protect the driver from harm. The column can collapse after impact with a tolerance ring inserted between the inner shaft of the steering column and the external housing. The wavelike protrusions on the circumference of the tolerance ring act as a spring to hold the two parts in place in normal driving conditions. At a specific level of force, for example in the event of a collision, the tolerance ringallows the inner shaft to slip inside the housing, so the column can collapse, absorbing energy from the impact.
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