The invention relates to a steering column assist system, and more specifically relates to a power-assisted steering system includes an intermediate housing (260), a motor cone housing (280) coupled to the intermediate housing (260), and a control shaft (102, 202) arranged along a control shaft axis for rotation about the control shaft axis. The system further includes an assist drive shaft (108, 208) arranged in a plane that is substantially transverse to the control shaft axis, the assist drive shaft (108, 208) being supported relative to the vehicle structure by a first bearing assembly (112, 212) and a second bearing (114, 214) assembly and defining a drive shaft axis, a worm (118, 218) disposed about the assist drive shaft (108, 208) , and a worm gear (120, 220) coupled to the control shaft (102, 202). The worm gear (120, 220) and control shaft (102, 202) are configured for rotation about the control shaft axis.