I think the part that you are talking about is called a rag joint, yes they do break and yes you will loose all steering, I took mine out and turned the wheel 9o deg. and bolted it back together leaving it out, you could do that if you break loose the part holding the shaft from dropping out( a small plastic piece) or maybe heat it up a little while pulling the other parts together with a couple of bolts. have fun but get it fixed.