The column has a few part that could bind...
1 is the infamous 4 bolt and metal screws into can work loose again.
lock pin spring can fail or crap got in binding the lock plate.
is likely Not bearings. Only 1 BB type at top.
have to pull column or rack to separate them.
Column and lower should not move in/out. If does then plastic part of crush zones failed and needs replace of the whole part.
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Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)
The Ogre's Fiero Cave