A rack and pinion steering apparatus (10) comprises a housing (12). Helical teeth (60) of a pinion gear (54) meshingly engage teeth of a rack bar (42) and, during rotation of the pinion gear (54), result in an axial force. A shaft (86) connects with the pinion gear (54). Rotation of the shaft (86) effects rotation of the pinion gear (54). An assembly is interposed between the shaft (86) and the housing (12). The assembly comprises a first snap ring (142) that is attached to the shaft (86) and a second snap ring (144) that is attached to the housing (12). Interposed between the first and second snap rings (142 and 144) are only a fluid tight seal (146) for blocking fluid leakage from the housing (12) and a bushing (108) for enabling rotation of the shaft (86) relative to the housing (12) and for engaging the first snap ring (142) to block axial displacement of the pinion gear (54) due to the axial force acting on the pinion gear (54).