loose steering column shroud, '98E320 Wagon
 

I thought the turn signal cancel was getting worn because of some vague feel in the lever, but now I realize that the entire collar/shroud into which the turn signal lever and speed control lever fit is loose and allows about 15 degrees of rotation around the steering column.

Can I get to the solution without pulling the steering wheel? I assume there is some kind of channel or slide that anchors this collar, as it needs to allow the fore/aft adjustment of the wheel itself.

Before I take a sawsall to the column, anybody have any advice?

Thanks,
g