Having seen this thread here:
http://locostbuilders.co.uk/viewthread.php?tid=215982
It has confirmed my suspicion that the telescopic part of my column is seized - specifically the part with the white triangular plastic bush that sits
between the triangular length of the Sierra column and the 'crimped tube ' part - i.e. all the parts shown in the pic here:
Obvious questions are - am I right that the white plastic bush part means it should be sliding in and out AND - if so, how do I free it off!!!
It should be fairly tight.
It is supposed to collapse upon impact.
How tight I don´t know, the one I disassembled from my donor ´95 Ford Mustang was not that tight though.
The picture is actually a Granada column, it’s slightly different to the Sierra and has come in a box of bits. I don’t even know if it serviceable but as above I am sure it’s only meant to collapse under impact. I would say that has taken some force to pull it out.
If its the same as the mgb setup, the plastic is poured in molten while the column length is held, there will probably be holes and dimples in each part of the column so the plastic insert fixes the column lenth, but will break and allw the column to collapse on impact.
My steering slides freely as it fully adjusts up - down - in - out..
But yes it is supposed to collapse in the event of impact..
As R1Pete says, the extruded plastic 'pips' through holes in the metal is what stops it sliding, and these bits break on impact. Many years ago I accidentally collapsed a Sierra column when fitting an after market steering wheel. I repaired it by drilling through the holes and the plastic and filled the hole with the same gauge aluminium knitting needle. I reckoned that the ali would break about as easily as the original plastic. Drove it for years like that.
Having tested such columns with my face I can attest the forces involved are more than sufficient to make that column collapse 
quote:
Originally posted by Mr Whippy
Having tested such columns with my face I can attest the forces involved are more than sufficient to make that column collapse
quote:
Originally posted by johnemms
My steering slides freely as it fully adjusts up - down - in - out..
But yes it is supposed to collapse in the event of impact..
quote:
Originally posted by snapper
quote:
Originally posted by Mr Whippy
Having tested such columns with my face I can attest the forces involved are more than sufficient to make that column collapse
Have now got ‘ATIL OTOM’ pressed on to your forehead?
