A rack-and-pinion steering gear is provided. The gear comprises a lower shaft, a pinion gear, a first bearing, and a plurality of stakes. The lower shaft has a first end, a second end, and a shoulder depending radially outward from the lower shaft. The pinion gear is defined in a portion of the lower shaft proximate the first end. The first bearing has a first side, a second side, and an inner edge. The inner edge is disposed on the lower shaft such that the first side abuts the shoulder. The stakes have a first section that conforms to a radius defined at an intersection of the second side and the inner edge of the first bearing, and a second section resting against the second side of the first bearing.