Steering Column

Complete removal and replacement of the steering column assembly on a 1972 Ford F-100, including disconnection of steering linkage, electrical components, and mounting hardware.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Steering column assembly (if replacing entire column) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering column upper bearing × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering column lower bearing × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Turn signal switch (if replacing) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Ignition lock cylinder (if replacing) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering column mounting bolts × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering shaft coupling bolt × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Disconnect negative battery cable and isolate it away from the battery terminal
4. Remove the horn button or center cap from the steering wheel
5. Mark the steering wheel position relative to the steering shaft with paint or marker for proper alignment during reassembly
6. Photograph or diagram all electrical connections at the steering column before disconnection
7. Allow engine to cool completely if recently driven

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove steering wheel
   Remove the steering wheel retaining nut using a socket wrench. This nut is located in the center of the steering wheel. Install the steering wheel puller according to its instructions, ensuring the puller screw is centered on the steering shaft. Tighten the puller gradually and evenly until the steering wheel releases from the shaft. Do not hammer on the steering shaft or wheel as this can damage the column bearings. Remove the steering wheel and set aside.
   ⚠Do not attempt to remove the steering wheel by prying or hammering. This will damage the steering column bearings and shaft.
2. 2

   Remove turn signal lever and switch components
   Unscrew the turn signal lever by rotating it counterclockwise and pulling it straight out. Remove the hazard warning knob if equipped by pulling it straight out. Remove the screws securing the upper column shroud (typically 2 screws on the underside). Lift off the upper shroud. Remove the lower column shroud by removing its retaining screws and sliding it downward off the column.
3. 3

   Disconnect turn signal switch wiring
   Locate the turn signal switch wiring connector below the instrument panel. Disconnect the multi-wire connector by releasing its locking tab and pulling the connectors apart. If your vehicle has the wiring passing through the column, you may need to carefully unwrap tape and separate individual wires. Label each wire with tape and its corresponding terminal position before disconnection if the connector is not keyed.
   ⚠Improper reconnection of turn signal wiring will result in non-functional turn signals, horn, or hazard lights. Label all connections clearly.
4. 4

   Remove turn signal switch
   Remove the 2 screws securing the turn signal switch to the steering column. Carefully pull the switch upward and out of the column housing. If the wiring harness is still attached and must pass through the column, carefully fish the wire connector end up through the column opening. Use care not to snag or damage the wiring.
5. 5

   Remove ignition lock cylinder
   Insert the ignition key and turn it to the RUN position (not ACC, not OFF). Locate the lock cylinder release hole on the steering column housing near the lock cylinder. Insert a small punch or paper clip into the release hole and depress the retaining pin. While holding the release pin depressed, pull the lock cylinder straight out of the column. Remove the key from the cylinder and set aside in a safe location.
   ℹ️The lock cylinder can only be removed in the RUN position. Do not force it or the retaining mechanism will break.
6. 6

   Disconnect ignition switch and other electrical connections
   Locate the ignition switch on the steering column (typically mounted on the side or underside of the column jacket near the firewall). Disconnect the ignition switch wiring connector. Disconnect any other electrical connectors attached to the column.
7. 7

   Access steering shaft coupling under dash
   Working from inside the cab under the instrument panel, locate the steering shaft coupling where the steering column shaft connects to the steering gear input shaft. This is typically near the firewall. The coupling is usually a U-joint or rag joint with a pinch bolt. Clean the area with penetrating oil if corrosion is present. Once disconnected, the steering column will drop under its own weight. Support the column carefully to prevent sudden movement and damage.
   ⚠The steering shaft is under spring tension from the column bearings. Control the column carefully when disconnected to prevent sudden movement.
8. 8

   Mark and disconnect steering shaft coupling
   Mark the relationship between the steering column shaft and the steering gear input shaft with paint or a punch mark for proper alignment during reassembly. This is critical for maintaining proper steering wheel spoke alignment. Remove the bolts and nuts securing the flex (rag) joint or U-joint coupling. The coupling on this vehicle is typically a flexible (rag) joint bolted at the flange, though some configurations use a U-joint. Identify your coupling type before removing the securing hardware. Use a wrench to hold each nut while loosening the bolt. Once hardware is removed, separate the coupling to free the shafts, taking care not to damage the coupling or shafts.
   ⚠️Failure to properly mark and align the steering shafts will result in incorrect steering wheel spoke alignment and potentially unsafe steering geometry.
9. 9

   Support steering column
   Position yourself or a helper to support the weight of the steering column from inside the vehicle. The column will drop downward once the mounting bolts are removed. Have a clean workspace ready to set the column down without damaging it.
10. 10

    Remove column mounting bracket bolts
    Locate the steering column mounting bracket bolts where the column attaches to the underside of the instrument panel/dash support. There are typically 3 bolts securing the bracket to the dash structure. Remove these bolts while supporting the column. Carefully lower the column downward and toward the rear of the cab, maneuvering the upper shaft through the firewall opening. Remove the column from the vehicle.
    ⚠The column is awkward and can easily strike and damage the instrument cluster, dash pad, or door opening. Move slowly and carefully.
11. 11

    Inspect and service column or install replacement
    If servicing the column, disassemble it on a clean workbench and replace worn bearings, bushings, or switches as needed. Inspect the steering shaft for straightness by rolling it on a flat surface. Any bend requires shaft replacement. If installing a replacement column, transfer any necessary components from the old column. Lubricate all bearings with white lithium grease before reassembly.
    ℹ️A bent steering shaft cannot be straightened and must be replaced. Attempting to use a bent shaft will cause binding and unsafe steering operation.

Reassembly

1. Reverse the removal procedure, ensuring all alignment marks on the steering shaft coupling are properly aligned before tightening the pinch bolt
2. Verify the steering column mounting bracket bolts are tightened securely to the dash structure
3. Ensure the turn signal canceling mechanism engages properly with the steering wheel hub when reinstalling the wheel
4. Verify all electrical connections are secure and properly seated before reconnecting the battery
5. Check that the steering wheel is centered with the front wheels pointed straight ahead before tightening the steering wheel nut
6. Ensure the lock cylinder retaining pin clicks into place when inserting the cylinder

Verification

• Reconnect the negative battery cable
• Turn the ignition key through all positions (LOCK, ACC, RUN, START) and verify the lock cylinder operates smoothly without binding
• Test the turn signals, hazard lights, and horn to verify proper electrical reconnection
• Start the engine and verify the ignition switch functions properly in all positions
• With the engine off, turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock and verify smooth operation without binding, clicking, or unusual noises
• Check that the steering wheel returns to center properly after turning
• Verify the turn signal canceling mechanism works properly by activating the signals and turning the wheel
• Test drive the vehicle in a safe area at low speed to verify proper steering operation, checking for any play, binding, or unusual feedback through the wheel
• After test drive, re-inspect all mounting bolts and the shaft coupling to ensure nothing has loosened
• Verify the steering wheel is properly centered when driving straight

More procedures for this vehicle