An adjustable steering column assembly includes a fixed rack secured to a first portion and a moving rack secured to a second portion, which are releasably engaged by a clamp mechanism to permit relative movement therebetween. The fixed rack comprises two rows of teeth spaced apart from one another and extending towards. The moving rack also comprises two rows of teeth which extend away from each other. A clamp engaging means moves the moving rack into and out of engagement with the fixed rack. The teeth on the two racks are offset relative to one another. The mechanism is further arranged so that when if a tooth on tooth event occurs the fixed rack interacts with the moving rack to cause the moving rack to move sideways to permit the teeth to become inter-engaged when the mechanism finally reaches the locked position.