Tubular valve tower extension element

1. A tubular valve tower extension element ( 30 ) for connection to a free end of a valve tower ( 22 ) of a steering system for a vehicle, with a connection end ( 42 ) for connection to said valve tower ( 22 ), with an opening ( 34 ) located opposite said connection end and with a bearing ( 32 ) disposed in the region of said opening ( 34 );

wherein the tubular valve tower extension element ( 30 ) is connected to the valve tower ( 22 ) of the steering system by inserting an input shaft ( 46 ) or a steering column of the valve tower ( 22 ) through the opening ( 34 ) so that the input shaft or steering column is rotatable carried by the bearing ( 32 ); and

wherein the opening ( 34 ) is surrounded by a peripheral sealing lip ( 38 ) for minimizing penetration of dirt and/or humidity through abutment on said input shaft or steering column.

2. The tubular valve tower extension element ( 30 ) as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the bearing ( 32 ) is retained by a retaining ring ( 36 ).

3. The tubular valve tower extension element ( 30 ) as set forth in claim 2 , wherein the bearing ( 32 ) and the retaining ring ( 36 ) are disposed inside the valve tower extension element ( 30 ).

4. The tubular valve tower extension element ( 30 ) as set forth in claim 1 wherein a thread for screwing onto the valve tower ( 22 ) is provided on the connection end ( 42 ).

5. A valve tower extension element ( 30 ) for use in connection with a valve tower ( 22 ) of a vehicle steering system, the valve tower extension element comprising:

a connection end ( 42 ) for connecting the extension element ( 30 ) to one end of the valve tower ( 22 );

an opening ( 34 ) for receiving at least a portion of an input shaft ( 46 ) of the steering system, the opening defined by an end of the extension element ( 32 ) opposite the connection end ( 42 ); and

a bearing ( 32 ) secured within the valve tower extension element in proximity to the opening ( 34 ).

6. The valve tower extension element ( 30 ) as set forth in claim 5 , further comprising a sealing lip ( 38 ) positioned substantially adjacent to the opening ( 34 ) and the bearing ( 32 ).

7. The valve tower extension element ( 30 ) as set forth in claim 5 , further comprising a retaining ring ( 36 ) for positioning the bearing ( 32 ) within the extension element, the retaining ring ( 36 ) positioned substantially adjacent to the bearing ( 32 ).

8. The valve tower extension element ( 30 ) as set forth in claim 5 wherein the connection end ( 42 ) of the extension element includes a threaded portion for securing the connection end ( 42 ) to an end of the valve tower ( 22 ).

9. A valve tower extension element ( 30 ) for use in connection with a valve tower ( 22 ) of a vehicle steering system, the valve tower extension element comprising:

a connection end ( 42 ) for connecting the extension element ( 30 ) to an end of the valve tower ( 22 );

an opening ( 34 ) defined by an end of the extension element ( 30 ) opposite the connection end ( 42 );

a bearing ( 32 ) secured within the valve tower extension element in proximity to the opening ( 34 );

a retaining ring ( 36 ) for securing the bearing ( 32 ) within the extension element, the retaining ring ( 36 ) positioned substantially adjacent to the bearing ( 32 ); and

a sealing lip ( 38 ) positioned substantially adjacent to the opening ( 34 ).

10. The valve tower extension element ( 30 ) as set forth in claim 9 wherein the opening ( 34 ) receives at least a portion of an input shaft ( 46 ) of the vehicle steering system, the bearing ( 32 ) rotatably carrying at least a portion of the input shaft.

11. The valve tower extension element ( 30 ) as set forth in claim 9 wherein the opening ( 34 ) receives at least a portion of a steering column of the vehicle steering system, the bearing ( 32 ) rotatably carrying at least a portion of the steering column.