Steering Shaft - Upper

This procedure removes and replaces the upper steering shaft on a 2008 Dodge Viper, requiring steering wheel removal and intermediate shaft disconnection.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Upper steering shaft assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Turn ignition off and remove key
3. Turn steering wheel to center position (wheels straight ahead)
4. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait at least 2 minutes before proceeding
5. Ensure front wheels are chocked or vehicle is secured

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove driver airbag module
   From the rear of the steering wheel, locate the airbag module retaining fasteners. Remove the 2 Torx fasteners securing the airbag module to the steering wheel. Carefully pull the airbag module away from the steering wheel. Disconnect the airbag electrical connector by pressing the locking tab and pulling straight out. Set the airbag module face-up in a safe location away from the work area.
2. 2

   Remove steering wheel
   Disconnect the horn connector and any additional electrical connectors (cruise control switches if equipped). Mark the steering wheel position relative to the steering shaft with a paint marker for proper reinstallation. Remove the steering wheel retaining nut using a socket. Rock the steering wheel free from the shaft splines by hand; if resistance is felt, use a proper steering wheel puller with even pressure. Do not use excessive force that could damage the clockspring or column. Remove the steering wheel carefully, feeding any wiring through the center opening.
3. 3

   Remove upper column covers
   Locate the upper and lower steering column trim covers. Remove the Torx fasteners securing the covers (typically 3-4 fasteners). Separate the upper cover from the lower cover by releasing any retaining clips, then remove both covers from the steering column. This will expose the clockspring and column assembly.
4. 4

   Remove clockspring assembly
   Disconnect the clockspring electrical connector at the base of the unit. Remove the 3 Torx fasteners securing the clockspring to the steering column. Carefully slide the clockspring off the steering shaft. Do not rotate the clockspring center hub. Set aside in a safe location or tape the clockspring center to maintain position.
5. 5

   Access upper shaft mounting area
   From inside the cabin, locate the steering column mounting bracket. Identify the upper steering shaft where it enters the column support. You may need to remove the lower dash panel or knee bolster for better access depending on your working position. Verify clear access to the upper shaft mounting fasteners and intermediate shaft coupling.
6. 6

   Mark and disconnect intermediate shaft coupling
   Locate the intermediate shaft U-joint or coupling where the upper shaft connects to the lower intermediate shaft (typically near the firewall or column base). Use a paint marker to mark the relationship between the upper shaft and the coupling for proper alignment during reassembly. Remove the pinch bolt securing the coupling to the upper shaft. Use a socket to loosen and remove the bolt completely. Separate the coupling from the upper shaft splines by pulling downward or using light prying if necessary.
7. 7

   Remove upper shaft mounting fasteners
   Locate the upper steering shaft mounting bracket fasteners at the column support. Remove the mounting fasteners (typically 2-3 bolts or Torx fasteners) securing the upper shaft assembly to the column bracket. Support the shaft as you remove the final fastener to prevent it from dropping.
8. 8

   Remove upper steering shaft
   Carefully pull the upper steering shaft assembly upward and out through the steering column. The shaft should slide out of the column support once all fasteners and couplings are disconnected. Inspect the shaft for wear, damage, or binding. Check the shaft bearings and bushings in the column support for wear.
9. 9

   Install new upper steering shaft
   Insert the new upper steering shaft assembly into the column support from above, feeding it through the column bracket. Align the shaft with the mounting bracket. Install the mounting fasteners finger-tight initially. Ensure the shaft moves freely without binding before final tightening. Tighten mounting fasteners to specification once alignment is confirmed.
10. 10

    Connect intermediate shaft coupling
    Align the marks made during disassembly and slide the intermediate shaft coupling onto the upper shaft splines. Ensure full engagement of the splines. Install the pinch bolt through the coupling and tighten to specification. Verify the connection is secure and there is no play between the shafts.
11. 11

    Reinstall clockspring assembly
    Verify the clockspring is centered (or still taped in centered position). Slide the clockspring onto the steering shaft with the alignment features properly positioned. Install the 3 Torx fasteners securing the clockspring to the column. Reconnect the clockspring electrical connector, ensuring it clicks into place.
12. 12

    Reinstall steering column covers
    Position the lower column cover around the steering column. Install the upper cover, aligning all tabs and clips. Install all Torx fasteners and tighten securely. Verify covers are properly seated with no gaps.
13. 13

    Reinstall steering wheel
    Feed any electrical connectors through the steering wheel center opening. Align the steering wheel with the marks made during removal and slide onto the steering shaft. Install the steering wheel retaining nut and tighten to specification. Reconnect the horn connector and any cruise control switches.
14. 14

    Reinstall airbag module
    Connect the airbag electrical connector to the back of the airbag module, ensuring it clicks into place. Carefully position the airbag module onto the steering wheel, aligning the mounting holes. Install the 2 Torx fasteners from the rear of the steering wheel and tighten securely.
15. 15

    Final connection and system check
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Reinsert the key and turn the ignition to the ON position (do not start). Verify the airbag warning light illuminates briefly then extinguishes (normal bulb check). If the airbag light remains on, there may be a connector issue requiring further diagnosis. Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock slowly to verify smooth operation and proper clockspring function.

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to manufacturer specifications
2. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
3. Verify steering wheel is centered with marks aligned before final tightening
4. Double-check that intermediate shaft coupling pinch bolt is fully tightened

Verification

• Start engine and verify no airbag warning lights remain illuminated
• Turn steering wheel fully lock-to-lock and verify smooth operation with no binding, clicking, or unusual noises
• Verify steering wheel is centered when wheels are straight ahead
• Test all steering wheel controls (horn, cruise control) for proper operation
• Road test vehicle to verify proper steering response and no vibration or play in the steering system

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