A method for forming a helical pinion gear (12) for a rack and pinion steering apparatus (10) comprises the steps of: providing a cylindrical first blank (60) made of a deformable material and having an outer surface (68); providing a cylindrical second blank (100) made of a deformable material and having an outer surface (108); forming a bore (116) extending at least partially through the second blank (100); forming helical teeth (52) on the outer surface (108) of the second blank; and interconnecting the second blank (100) with the first blank (60) to form the helical pinion (12). The helical teeth (52) on the pinion (12) mesh with rack teeth (44) on a rack (16) in a rack and pinion steering apparatus (10).