steering

Steering Shaft - Intermediate

for 2017 Dodge Viper 8.4L V10 · RWD

Difficulty

Moderate

Time

1.5 h

Tools

Steps

🔍Draft — verification in progress. This procedure was built from OLP's spec database on September 13, 2026 and is queued for line-by-line review by Chris Hackleman — master technicians with 20+ years each. That review typically completes within 3 days of generation, and this banner changes to a verified badge the moment it does. Until then, cross-check every torque value and fluid capacity against the factory manual, and stop if anything looks unsafe. If something looks off, report it below — a real person reads every report.

Remove and replace the intermediate steering shaft connecting the steering column to the steering rack on a 2008 Dodge Viper with 8.4L V10 engine.

Warnings

⚠️Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use jack stands rated for the vehicle weight.

⚠Do not rotate the steering wheel with the intermediate shaft disconnected, as this can damage the clockspring in the steering column.

⚠Mark the orientation of all shaft connections before disassembly to maintain steering wheel centering.

Tools required

Floor jack and jack standsEssential

Wheel chocksEssential

Socket set (metric)Essential

Torque wrenchEssential

White grease or lithium grease

Pry bar or large flathead screwdriver

Wire brush

Penetrating oil

Paint pen or marker

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Parts

Intermediate steering shaft assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
Steering shaft coupler bolt(s) × 2 — Use OEM specification

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Preparation

Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake
Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
Turn steering wheel to center position and note alignment
Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands under manufacturer-specified lift points
Allow steering components to cool if vehicle was recently driven

Procedure

1
Access intermediate shaft from below
Position yourself under the front of the vehicle with adequate lighting. Locate the intermediate steering shaft connecting the steering column to the steering rack. The shaft runs from the firewall area down to the steering rack on the driver side of the engine bay.
2
Mark shaft alignment
Using a paint pen or marker, make alignment marks across both the upper coupler joint (where the intermediate shaft meets the steering column) and the lower coupler joint (where the intermediate shaft meets the steering rack pinion). Mark both the shaft and the mating component at each joint so you can align them identically during reinstallation. This is critical for maintaining proper steering wheel centering.
3
Remove upper coupler fastener
Locate the pinch bolt securing the upper universal joint where the intermediate shaft connects to the steering column shaft. Remove this single pinch bolt completely. The bolt passes through a clamp-style coupler. If the bolt is seized, apply penetrating oil and allow it to soak before attempting removal.
4
Remove lower coupler fastener
Locate the pinch bolt securing the lower universal joint where the intermediate shaft connects to the steering rack input shaft. Remove this single pinch bolt completely. Note the bolt orientation for reinstallation.
5
Separate upper coupling
Using a pry bar or large flathead screwdriver, carefully spread the upper coupler clamp to release it from the steering column shaft. Apply gentle outward pressure on the clamp gap while pulling downward on the intermediate shaft. The shaft should slide off the splined column shaft. Do not use excessive force that could damage the splines.
6
Separate lower coupling and remove shaft
Similarly spread the lower coupler clamp to release it from the steering rack pinion shaft. Pull the intermediate shaft assembly away from the rack input shaft. Once both ends are disconnected, remove the intermediate shaft from the vehicle by maneuvering it out from under the dashboard area. Note any routing or clearance considerations for reinstallation.
7
Inspect components
Examine the removed intermediate shaft for wear, binding, or damage in the universal joints. Check for excessive play by attempting to move the shaft in directions other than its designed rotation. Inspect the splines on both the steering column shaft and steering rack pinion for wear or damage. Clean any dirt or corrosion from the splined shafts using a wire brush.
8
Prepare new shaft
If installing a new intermediate shaft, verify it matches the original in length and coupler configuration. Apply a thin coat of white lithium grease or similar lubricant to the splines on both the steering column shaft and steering rack pinion shaft to ease installation and prevent future corrosion.
9
Install intermediate shaft
Route the intermediate shaft into position from below, maneuvering it through the same path used during removal. Align the lower coupler with the steering rack pinion shaft first, ensuring the coupler clamp gap is positioned to accept the pinch bolt. Slide the lower coupler onto the pinion shaft splines, aligning your paint marks. The coupler should slide on smoothly without force.
10
Connect upper coupling
Align the upper coupler with the steering column shaft, matching your alignment marks. Slide the upper coupler onto the column shaft splines. Ensure both couplers are fully seated on their respective shafts and the alignment marks are properly matched on both ends.
11
Install lower pinch bolt
Insert the lower coupler pinch bolt through the clamp, ensuring it passes through both sides of the coupler and the gap in the steering rack pinion shaft. Thread the bolt in the same orientation as originally installed. Tighten the bolt to specification. The coupling should firmly clamp the shaft without visible gap remaining in the clamp.
12
Install upper pinch bolt
Insert the upper coupler pinch bolt through the clamp, ensuring it passes through both sides of the coupler and the gap in the steering column shaft. Tighten the bolt to specification. Verify both couplers are securely clamped with no rotational play between the shafts.
13
Verify installation
Before lowering the vehicle, attempt to rotate each coupling by hand to confirm they are properly secured with no slippage. Check that the steering shaft rotates smoothly through its full range without binding or interference. Verify all alignment marks remain matched.

Reassembly

Lower vehicle from jack stands
Start engine and verify power steering system operates normally
Check steering wheel centering matches the position before disassembly

Verification

Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary and verify smooth operation with no binding, clicking, or unusual noises
Verify steering wheel returns to center when released after turning
Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area and confirm steering response is normal with no play or vibration
Recheck pinch bolt tightness after test drive