[cleszkie]

That part you found on the road is from another vehicle, and probably not steering related. However, I see why your steering failed. Yes, the lower bearing in the steering column is gone, but that would not cause loss of control. The coupling at the end of the steering column came apart because the bolt that is being used to secure the lower shaft to the splined end of the steering column is too small in diameter to engage the "cut out" slot in the splined shaft. When the proper size bolt is used, there is practically no way for the coupling to come apart, even when the bolt is loose. You have to completely remove the bolt to separate the two sections. Your problem was the result of a sketchy fix on the coupler. Its a good thing nobody came after you with a lawsuit, because you would have been 100% liable.