Steering Column

Complete removal and replacement of the steering column assembly, including disconnection from intermediate shaft, electrical components, and dashboard mounting points.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Steering column assembly × 1 — OEM replacement or quality aftermarket
• Steering column coupling bolt × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering column mounting bolts × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Multi-function switch (if damaged) × 1 — Turn signal/wiper switch assembly
• Ignition switch (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering wheel nut (reuse if undamaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface, place transmission in Park, set parking brake, and block rear wheels
2. Turn steering wheel to straight-ahead position and verify front wheels are straight
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait minimum 10 minutes for airbag system discharge
4. Remove driver's side knee bolster panel and lower dash trim panels for access to column mounting area
5. Place protective covering over driver's seat to prevent damage during column removal
6. Take photographs of electrical connector positions and routing for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove steering wheel and airbag module
   If equipped with a driver airbag, from behind the steering wheel remove the airbag module retaining fasteners (typically two screws or spring clips accessed from the rear of the wheel). Carefully pull the airbag module away from the steering wheel and disconnect the airbag connector and horn wire. On non-airbag trucks, remove the horn pad/button assembly instead. Set airbag module face-up in a safe location away from work area. Mark the steering wheel position relative to the shaft with a paint pen or marker. Remove the steering wheel retaining nut. Use a proper steering wheel puller to remove the steering wheel - never strike the wheel or shaft with a hammer.
   ⚠️Always store removed airbag module face-up on a clean surface away from work area. Never place airbag face-down as accidental deployment could cause injury.
2. 2

   Remove steering column covers and switches
   Remove the upper and lower steering column shroud covers by removing the retaining screws. Disconnect the electrical connector for the multi-function switch (turn signal/wiper assembly). Remove the screws securing the multi-function switch to the column and remove the switch. If equipped with cruise control, disconnect the cruise control switches. Label all electrical connectors with tape indicating their position for reassembly.
3. 3

   Remove ignition lock cylinder and switch
   Turn the ignition key to the position specified in the service manual for lock cylinder removal (on these columns this is typically the RUN or intermediate release detent). Locate the small release pin hole on the ignition lock cylinder housing. Insert a small punch or paper clip into the release hole while pulling the key and cylinder out of the column. Remove the ignition switch mounting bolts and disconnect the ignition switch electrical connector. Remove the ignition switch from the column.
   ⚠Keep ignition lock cylinder and key together in a safe location. Replacement lock cylinders require reprogramming or key replacement.
   Torque spec

   Ignition Switch Bolts5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect clockspring and remaining electrical
   Locate the airbag clockspring assembly at the base of the steering column beneath where the steering wheel was mounted. The clockspring should be in the centered position - do not rotate it. Disconnect the clockspring electrical connector. Disconnect any remaining electrical connectors from the column including the gear position indicator (PRNDL) cable if equipped with column shifter. Disconnect the shift linkage cable or rod from the column shift lever if equipped with column shift.
   ⚠️If the clockspring becomes rotated off-center with the steering wheel removed, it may be damaged during reassembly and the airbag system will not function correctly. Tape the clockspring in position if it will be reused.
5. 5

   Disconnect intermediate shaft coupling
   From under the dashboard, locate the intermediate shaft coupling where the steering column shaft connects to the intermediate shaft going to the steering gear. Mark the orientation of the coupling and shaft alignment with paint or a scribe mark to ensure proper reassembly alignment. Remove the coupling pinch bolt completely, then separate the column shaft from the intermediate shaft by sliding the splined coupling apart (spread the coupling clamp slightly only if the design requires it). Do not pry excessively or damage the coupling.st enough to allow the column shaft to separate. Do not pry excessively or damage the coupling.
   ⚠️Failure to properly align the intermediate shaft coupling during reassembly will result in steering binding or incorrect steering angle, creating a serious safety hazard.
   Torque spec

   Pinch Bolt30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove steering column mounting fasteners
   Locate the steering column mounting fasteners (typically four nuts or bolts securing the column bracket to the dashboard support structure). Confirm the exact count and location against the service manual. Support the steering column weight with one hand or have an assistant support it. Remove all mounting fasteners while supporting the column to prevent it from dropping.
   ⚠The steering column is heavy and awkward to handle. Support it carefully during removal to prevent dropping, which could damage the collapsible column mechanism.
   Torque spec

   Steering Column Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove steering column from vehicle
   With all mounting bolts removed and intermediate shaft disconnected, carefully guide the steering column down and toward the rear of the vehicle to remove it from the dashboard area. Tilt and rotate as necessary to clear the dash opening and pedal assembly. Take care not to strike the column shaft or damage any remaining wiring. Place the column on a clean protected work surface.
   ⚠️Never allow the steering column shaft to strike hard surfaces or drop onto the floor. The collapsible column safety feature will be compromised if the column is collapsed or damaged.
8. 8

   Inspect and prepare new steering column
   Inspect the new or replacement steering column for any shipping damage. Verify that the clockspring is centered and locked in the centered position (most new columns include a locking pin or tape). Transfer any required components from the old column to the new column such as the ignition switch, multi-function switch, or shift lever assembly if not included with replacement column. Verify all components are properly secured before installation.
   ⚠Ensure the clockspring in the new column is centered and locked. Do not remove centering locks until steering wheel is reinstalled and wheels are in the straight-ahead position.
9. 9

   Install steering column into vehicle
   With the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position (verify by checking front wheels), carefully guide the new steering column up through the dashboard opening. Route the column shaft toward the intermediate shaft coupling. Align the column mounting bracket with the dashboard support structure mounting holes. Start all four mounting bolts by hand to hold the column in position but do not fully tighten yet.
   Torque spec

   Steering Column Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Connect intermediate shaft coupling
    Align the steering column shaft with the intermediate shaft coupling, ensuring the alignment marks made during disassembly are properly oriented. The flats or splines on both shafts must align correctly. Slide the coupling onto the column shaft. Install the new coupling pinch bolt and torque to specification. Verify the coupling clamp is fully seated and the bolt passes through both the clamp and the shaft groove or flat.
    ⚠️Incorrect alignment or loose coupling will cause steering binding, noise, or potential separation resulting in complete loss of steering control. Verify proper engagement before torquing.
    Torque spec

    Pinch Bolt30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Torque column mounting bolts and verify alignment
    With the intermediate shaft connected and the column properly positioned, torque all four steering column mounting bolts to specification in a cross pattern (upper left, lower right, upper right, lower left). After torquing, verify the column is properly aligned with the dashboard opening and there is no binding when rotating the shaft by hand. Check that the column tilt and telescoping functions operate smoothly if equipped.
    Torque spec

    Steering Column Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect electrical connectors and install switches
    Reconnect all electrical connectors to the steering column in the reverse order of removal, using your labels and photographs as reference. Install the ignition switch and torque mounting bolts to specification. Install the ignition lock cylinder by inserting with key in RUN position until it clicks into place. Install the multi-function switch and secure with screws. Reconnect the clockspring connector, PRNDL cable if equipped, and shift linkage if equipped with column shift.
    Torque spec

    Ignition Switch Bolts5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install steering wheel and airbag module
    If the clockspring has a centering lock or pin, remove it now with the steering shaft and wheels in the straight-ahead position. Align the steering wheel with the shaft using the alignment marks made during disassembly. Install the steering wheel and torque the retaining nut to the service manual specification (approximately 45 ft-lbs / 60 Nm for this platform — verify exact value in the FSM before final torque). Reconnect the horn wire and yellow airbag connector. Carefully position the airbag module onto the steering wheel and secure with retaining screws or clips.
    ⚠Verify the clockspring centering lock is removed before installing the steering wheel. Verify proper steering wheel alignment to ensure clockspring operates within its rotation limits.
14. 14

    Reinstall column covers and trim panels
    Install the upper and lower steering column shroud covers and secure with screws. Torque cover screws to specification. Reinstall the knee bolster panel and lower dash trim panels. Verify all trim pieces are properly secured and aligned. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to their specified values using a calibrated torque wrench
2. Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked in place
3. Ensure the intermediate shaft coupling pinch bolt is properly torqued and secure
4. Confirm the clockspring centering lock has been removed before first operation
5. Double-check that the airbag module is properly secured to the steering wheel

Verification

• Turn ignition key to verify the ignition switch operates correctly in all positions (LOCK, ACC, RUN, START)
• Test all steering column functions: turn signals, wipers, cruise control switches, horn, and headlight controls
• With engine running, verify power steering operation by turning wheel lock-to-lock while stationary - there should be no binding, noise, or hard spots
• Test column tilt and telescoping adjustment functions if equipped - all positions should lock securely
• Start engine and verify the airbag warning light follows normal operation (illuminates with key on, extinguishes after engine start). If light remains on, have airbag system diagnosed immediately
• Road test vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify steering operates smoothly with no binding, noise, or vibration
• Verify steering wheel returns to center properly after turning
• Check that steering wheel is properly centered when driving straight - if off-center, verify intermediate shaft coupling alignment
• After test drive, re-verify all mounting bolts remain tight and there is no movement in the column mounting bracket

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