US Patent 11858547 Intermediate shaft assembly for steering column

An intermediate shaft assembly for a steering column is disclosed herein. The assembly includes a first shaft defining a cavity and a first bearing raceway, a second shaft arranged at least partially within the cavity of the first shaft, a sleeve arranged on an axial end of the second shaft and defining a second bearing raceway, and a bearing assembly including at least two rows of rolling elements and a cage. The rolling elements are supported between the first bearing raceway of the first shaft and the second bearing raceway of the sleeve. The sleeve can be heat treated, and formed from sheet metal. The sleeve can be secured to the axial end of the second shaft by a direct rotational connection such that the sleeve is rotationally fixed to the second shaft.