Replace the intermediate steering shaft on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 5.0L 4WD to eliminate steering clunk or binding issues.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Intermediate steering shaft assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Lower steering shaft bolt (if not included with shaft) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Upper steering shaft bolt (if not included with shaft) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and set parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Turn steering wheel to center position and note alignment
4. Turn ignition off and remove key to prevent accidental steering wheel movement
5. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands at frame rails
6. Allow steering and exhaust components to cool completely if vehicle was recently driven

Procedure

1. 1

   Access intermediate steering shaft from below
   Position yourself under the vehicle with adequate lighting. Locate the intermediate steering shaft which connects the steering column to the steering rack input shaft. The shaft runs down through the firewall area and connects at the steering rack on the driver side.
2. 2

   Mark shaft alignment positions
   Using a white paint marker, make alignment marks across both the upper connection (steering column to intermediate shaft) and lower connection (intermediate shaft to steering rack pinion). Mark both the shaft and the mating component at each connection point. These marks are critical for maintaining proper steering wheel alignment during reassembly.
3. 3

   Apply penetrating oil to fasteners
   Spray penetrating oil on both the upper and lower steering shaft pinch bolt threads and allow to soak for 5-10 minutes. These bolts often corrode and can be difficult to remove on 2011-2014 F-150 models.
4. 4

   Remove lower steering shaft pinch bolt
   Locate the lower pinch bolt that secures the intermediate shaft to the steering rack input shaft. Using a 13mm socket, loosen and remove the pinch bolt completely. Note the orientation of the bolt for reinstallation. You may need to use a backup wrench to prevent the nut from spinning.
5. 5

   Separate lower shaft connection
   Once the bolt is removed, use a pry bar or steering shaft separator to carefully separate the intermediate shaft from the steering rack pinion shaft. The shaft uses a clamp-style connection that may require some force to separate. Pry evenly and avoid damaging the splines on either shaft.
   ⚠Do not use excessive force that could damage the steering rack input shaft splines or seal.
6. 6

   Remove upper steering shaft pinch bolt
   Move to the upper connection point at the base of the steering column inside the cab area (accessible from below). Using a 13mm socket, loosen and remove the upper pinch bolt that secures the intermediate shaft to the steering column shaft. Again note bolt orientation.
7. 7

   Remove intermediate steering shaft
   With both pinch bolts removed, carefully slide the intermediate shaft down and away from the steering column, then maneuver it out from under the vehicle. You may need to collapse the shaft slightly if it's a collapsible design. Inspect the removed shaft for wear, binding, or damage to the U-joints.
8. 8

   Prepare new intermediate shaft
   Remove the new intermediate shaft from packaging. If the shaft is collapsible, ensure it's in the proper extended position. Apply a light coat of clean grease to the splines on both ends of the new shaft to ease installation and prevent future corrosion.
9. 9

   Install new shaft to steering column
   Maneuver the new intermediate shaft into position under the vehicle. Align the upper end with the steering column shaft, ensuring the splines engage properly and your alignment marks (or factory marks on new shaft) line up. Slide the shaft onto the column shaft until fully seated.
10. 10

    Install upper pinch bolt
    Insert the upper pinch bolt through the clamp on the intermediate shaft. Ensure the bolt passes through the gap in the steering column shaft splines (the witness mark area). Hand-tighten the bolt, but do not torque yet. Verify alignment marks are still properly positioned.
11. 11

    Connect lower shaft to steering rack
    Align the lower end of the intermediate shaft with the steering rack input shaft. Ensure your alignment marks line up properly (steering wheel should still be centered). Slide the intermediate shaft clamp over the rack input shaft until fully seated on the splines.
    ⚠Verify the steering wheel has not rotated from center position before connecting the lower shaft.
12. 12

    Install lower pinch bolt
    Insert the lower pinch bolt through the clamp, ensuring it passes through the witness mark gap in the rack input shaft splines. Hand-tighten the bolt initially.
13. 13

    Torque pinch bolts
    Using a torque wrench, torque both the upper and lower pinch bolts to 34.0 Nm (25.0 lb-ft). Torque the lower bolt first, then the upper bolt. This ensures proper alignment is maintained. Double-check that alignment marks are still properly positioned after torquing.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Verify shaft installation
    Manually check that the intermediate shaft rotates smoothly without binding through its full range of motion. Ensure both connections are secure and there is no play or looseness at either end. Verify all alignment marks are properly positioned.

Reassembly

1. Lower vehicle carefully from jack stands
2. Remove wheel chocks
3. Start engine and verify power steering operates normally without unusual noises
4. Verify steering wheel is centered when wheels are pointing straight ahead

Verification

• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary and verify no clunking, binding, or unusual noises from the intermediate shaft area
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify smooth steering operation with no vibration or feedback through the wheel
• Verify steering wheel returns to center properly after turns
• Re-check pinch bolt torque after test drive
• Confirm steering wheel remains properly centered during straight-line driving

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