A steering column assembly comprises a mounting bracket (100), a steering column (200), a plurality of friction plates (300), a plurality of inner spacers (501), and a locking mechanism (400). The friction plates (300) are fixed to the steering column (200) and attached to a side of the mounting bracket (100). The friction plates (300) are movable with respect to the mounting bracket (100). The inner spacers (502) are interleaved with the plurality of friction plates (300). Each inner spacer (502) has a scored outer surface (540). The locking mechanism (400) is operable to press the inner spacers (501) and friction plates (300) together to lock the steering column (200) with respect to the mounting bracket (100).