This procedure covers removal and replacement of the upper steering shaft (intermediate shaft) connecting the steering wheel to the lower steering shaft at the steering rack.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Upper steering shaft assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering shaft pinch bolt (lower) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering shaft pinch bolt (upper) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground with front wheels pointed straight ahead
2. Set parking brake and place transmission in Park
3. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
4. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait minimum 2 minutes for airbag system to discharge
5. Chock rear wheels

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark steering wheel and shaft positions
   Use white paint marker to mark the relationship between the steering wheel and column, and between the upper and lower steering shaft couplings. This ensures proper alignment during reassembly and prevents steering angle sensor calibration issues.
2. 2

   Secure steering wheel position
   Lock the steering wheel in the centered position using a steering wheel holder or by taping it to prevent rotation. If the steering wheel rotates with the shaft disconnected, the clock spring will unwind and require replacement.
   ⚠️Failure to lock the steering wheel can result in clock spring damage requiring expensive replacement and airbag system malfunction.
3. 3

   Remove lower dash panels
   Remove the lower steering column trim panels to access the upper shaft coupling. On 2011-2014 F-150, remove the lower dash panel below the steering column by releasing the retaining clips. Use trim removal tools to avoid breaking clips.
4. 4

   Access lower coupling from underneath
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the lower steering shaft coupling where the upper shaft connects to the lower shaft at the steering rack input shaft. Clean the area around the coupling and apply penetrating oil to the pinch bolt if corrosion is present.
5. 5

   Remove lower coupling pinch bolt
   Using a 13mm wrench or socket, remove the lower pinch bolt securing the upper steering shaft to the lower shaft coupling. Note the orientation of the bolt for reinstallation. The bolt passes through a clamp that secures the shafts together.
   ⚠Support the upper shaft to prevent it from dropping when the lower coupling is disconnected.
6. 6

   Remove upper coupling pinch bolt
   From inside the cabin, locate the upper pinch bolt where the steering shaft connects to the steering column. Using a 15mm wrench or socket, remove the upper pinch bolt. This bolt may have a lock nut that requires a second wrench to hold while loosening.
7. 7

   Separate and remove upper steering shaft
   Carefully slide the upper steering shaft out of both the upper column coupling and lower shaft coupling. The shaft may need to be rotated slightly or moved in/out to clear the splines. Remove the shaft through the cabin or from underneath depending on clearance.
8. 8

   Inspect couplings and splines
   Inspect the steering column splines and lower shaft splines for wear, damage, or corrosion. Check the rubber coupler (if equipped) for cracking or deterioration. Clean all splines with a wire brush and inspect pinch bolt clamps for cracks.
9. 9

   Install new upper steering shaft
   Insert the new upper steering shaft, aligning the splines with both the steering column (upper) and lower shaft (at rack). Ensure the shaft is fully seated on both ends and that alignment marks made during disassembly are properly matched. Do not force the shaft.
   ⚠Verify that the steering wheel has not rotated during the replacement process before connecting the shaft.
10. 10

    Install upper pinch bolt
    Install the new upper pinch bolt through the coupling at the steering column. Ensure the bolt passes completely through the coupling and shaft. Torque the upper pinch bolt to 25 lb-ft (34 Nm). The bolt should clamp the shaft securely without allowing rotation.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install lower pinch bolt
    From underneath the vehicle, install the new lower pinch bolt through the coupling connecting the upper shaft to the lower shaft. Align the bolt with the flat or groove on the shaft. Torque the lower pinch bolt to 25 lb-ft (34 Nm).
    ⚠Verify that both shafts are fully engaged and alignment marks match before final torquing.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall dash panels
    Reinstall the lower steering column trim panels and lower dash panel. Ensure all clips are fully seated and panels are secure. Check that no wiring or components are pinched behind panels.
13. 13

    Reconnect battery and test
    Reconnect the negative battery cable. Start the vehicle and verify that the steering wheel is centered with wheels straight ahead. Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary to verify smooth operation with no binding, clicking, or unusual noises.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all pinch bolts are torqued to specification and properly oriented
2. Verify steering wheel alignment matches pre-disassembly position
3. Confirm no rotation occurred in the steering column during shaft replacement
4. Check that all dash panels are properly secured and aligned

Verification

• Start engine and verify steering wheel is centered with front wheels straight ahead
• Turn steering wheel full lock left and right while stationary - should be smooth with no binding or noise
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area - steering should feel normal with proper centering
• Verify horn and steering wheel controls function properly (confirms clock spring integrity)
• Check for any unusual noises or vibrations through the steering wheel during driving
• Inspect under vehicle for any leaks or loose components after test drive

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