Steering Column Splines Flattened

[toofun]

OK,

Not very familiar with the steering column parts but I have included a picture of a problem I am having with mine. I am fixing a horn problem and removed the hub that the steering wheel bolts onto. I had to use a puller to remove it from the splined shaft and when I did I noticed that the splined shaft was almost flattened!! It must have been this way before I got the car and the previous owner must have PRESSED IT ON. Anyways, from what I can tell this does not look like a safe solution to this problem since I am guessing this splined shaft is what keeps the steering wheel from spinning around in a stripped circle. So can this part be replaced? or can this shaft be resplinned? How can this be done? Any help would be appreciated as I am not familiar with this procedure.

Thanks in advance

Mark
TOOFUN