A clamping mechanism for a steering column assembly includes an outboard cam configured to rotate about an axis between a first position and a second position, an inboard cam having a travel limiter portion configured to limit rotation of the outboard cam about the axis between the first position and the second position, and an intermediate stop disposed along a portion of the travel limiter portion. At least a portion of the outboard cam is shifted to a position adjacent the intermediate stop during an impact event of the steering column assembly, the intermediate stop preventing movement of the outboard cam from the first position to the second position.