Steering Shaft - Upper

Remove and replace the upper steering shaft assembly connecting the steering column to the intermediate shaft, including disconnection of the steering column coupling.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Upper steering shaft assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Coupling bolt × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and set parking brake
2. Turn steering wheel to center position (wheels straight ahead)
3. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 2 minutes for airbag system discharge
4. If equipped with a removable steering wheel lock, install it to prevent wheel rotation during service

Procedure

1. 1

   Access Lower Steering Column Area
   Working from inside the vehicle, remove the lower steering column cover. This typically consists of two trim panels (upper and lower) that snap together around the column. Locate and remove the fasteners securing the lower cover sections, then separate the panels by releasing the retaining clips. Inspect for any wiring harnesses (ignition switch, clockspring) that may need to be unclipped before full removal.
2. 2

   Mark Steering Shaft Alignment
   With a white paint pen or marker, make alignment marks across the upper steering shaft and the intermediate shaft at the coupling joint. Mark both the shaft surfaces and the coupling itself. This ensures proper phase alignment during reassembly. Take a photo for reference if possible.
3. 3

   Access Coupling from Underneath Vehicle
   Position yourself underneath the driver's side footwell area. Locate the steering shaft coupling where the upper shaft connects to the intermediate shaft. This is typically positioned just below the firewall. You may need to work from both inside the cabin and underneath to gain proper access and visibility.
4. 4

   Remove Coupling Bolt
   Locate the coupling bolt (pinch bolt) that secures the upper steering shaft to the intermediate shaft coupling. Using the appropriate socket, remove this bolt completely. Note the orientation and any indexing features on the coupling splines. The coupling should now be able to separate once the upper shaft mounting is released.
   Torque spec

   Coupling Bolt28 Nm (21 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Disconnect Upper Shaft at Column
   Working inside the vehicle at the steering column, locate the upper steering shaft mounting point where it attaches to the steering column assembly. Remove the mounting bolts securing the upper shaft bracket or support. There are typically 2-3 bolts securing the shaft support bracket to the column or firewall mounting structure.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove Upper Steering Shaft
   Carefully slide the upper steering shaft out of the coupling at the intermediate shaft connection point. Support the shaft as you withdraw it to prevent damage to surrounding components. Guide the shaft through the firewall area and remove it from the vehicle through the interior cabin. Inspect the splines on both the removed shaft and the mating components for wear or damage.
7. 7

   Inspect Coupling and Intermediate Shaft
   With the upper shaft removed, inspect the intermediate shaft coupling for wear, cracks, or damaged splines. Check that the coupling can move freely without binding. Inspect the rubber isolator (if equipped) in the coupling for deterioration. Replace the coupling if any wear or damage is evident.
8. 8

   Install New Upper Steering Shaft
   Guide the new upper steering shaft into position through the cabin and align it with the steering column mounting points. Install the mounting bolts finger-tight at the column bracket. Do not fully tighten yet to allow for alignment adjustment.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Connect Shaft to Intermediate Coupling
   Working from underneath, align the splines of the new upper steering shaft with the intermediate shaft coupling. Use your alignment marks as reference to ensure proper clocking. Slide the shaft fully into the coupling until it seats completely. Verify that the alignment marks are properly indexed.
10. 10

    Install and Torque Coupling Bolt
    Install the new coupling bolt through the coupling pinch clamp. Ensure the bolt passes through both the coupling and the shaft groove or flat. Torque the coupling bolt to specification. Verify that the coupling is tight and there is no rotational play between the shafts.
    Torque spec

    Coupling Bolt28 Nm (21 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Torque Column Mounting Bolts
    Return to the interior and torque the upper steering shaft mounting bolts at the column bracket to specification. Ensure the shaft assembly is properly seated and aligned before final tightening.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall Column Covers
    Reconnect any wiring harnesses that were disconnected during disassembly. Position the lower steering column cover sections around the column, ensuring all clips and fasteners align properly. Secure the cover panels with their fasteners. Verify that all trim pieces fit flush and that no wiring is pinched.
13. 13

    Reconnect Battery and Test
    Reconnect the negative battery cable. Before starting the engine, verify that the steering wheel is still centered and that there is no binding when turning the wheel lock-to-lock by hand. Start the engine and perform a complete steering function test at idle, checking for unusual noises, binding, or vibration.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all alignment marks match during reassembly to prevent steering wheel misalignment
2. Use a new coupling bolt if the original shows any thread deformation
3. Verify steering wheel remains locked or centered during all shaft disconnection procedures
4. All torque specifications must be followed precisely for safe steering system operation

Verification

• Turn steering wheel slowly from lock to lock and verify smooth operation with no binding or unusual noises
• With vehicle on level ground and wheels straight, verify steering wheel is centered with spokes horizontal
• Test drive at low speed in a safe area to confirm proper steering feel and response
• Verify no play or looseness in steering shaft when rocking the steering wheel
• Confirm all column covers and trim pieces are properly secured with no rattles

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