The invention relates to a method for forming a valve assembly for a rack and pinion steering apparatus. A pinion having a bore formed therein, a torsion bar having an outer diameter, a valve sleeve, and an input shaft are provided. The input shaft has a bore and an elongated cavity formed therein. The input shaft has an outer diameter less than an inner diameter of the valve sleeve. The torsion bar is forced into the bore of the pinion to friction weld the torsion bar to the pinion. The valve sleeve is positioned over the torsion bar and pinion, and secured with the pinion. The torsion bar is positioned within the bore of the input shaft such that a first end of the torsion bar is positioned coaxially within the elongated cavity of the input shaft. A locking material is inserted into the elongated cavity to lock the torsion bar and the input shaft together.