i remember when my steering wheel felt a little loose in the up and down motion i pulled the whole column apart to find out that there was a bearing that blew up and the nuckle at the bottom all you guys are looking at had moved maybe half an inch, so i just snugged it up by tapping the washer and it tightened it all up, but i also dont remember anything else there? im positive there wasnt a hose clamp.. but whatever works .