If I remember correctly there is a flattened area on the rack input shaft where the pinch bolt can pass. The joint has to be aligned so the passthrough is parallel to the flat. If you have the joint aligned in such a way but it does not extend far enough to reach the flat you can loosen the pinch bolt where the joint attaches to the shaft and slide the joint down as needed. The same holds true for the upper joint attached to the column "stub". While the shaft is not attached to the rack this would be a good time to check the range of motion of both the upper and lower joints--they can often develop a "hitch" in the motion at the center position. -- Dave