This procedure replaces the intermediate steering shaft connecting the steering column to the steering rack on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Intermediate steering shaft × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Lower steering shaft bolt × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Upper steering shaft bolt × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake
2. Turn steering wheel to center position (wheels pointing straight ahead)
3. Turn ignition off and remove key
4. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 2 minutes (for airbag system discharge)
5. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands
6. Remove front skid plate or undertray if equipped

Procedure

1. 1

   Center and lock steering wheel
   With wheels pointed straight ahead, use the steering wheel lock or install a steering wheel holder to prevent rotation. This prevents damage to the clockspring and maintains proper alignment during reassembly.
2. 2

   Access lower steering shaft connection
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the intermediate steering shaft where it connects to the steering rack input shaft. Clean the area around both upper and lower shaft connections to remove dirt and debris. Apply penetrating oil to both pinch bolt threads if corrosion is present.
3. 3

   Mark shaft alignment positions
   Using a white paint marker, make alignment marks across the upper shaft coupling (at the steering column) and across the lower shaft coupling (at the steering rack). Mark the relationship between the intermediate shaft and both the column shaft and rack input shaft. These marks are critical for maintaining proper steering wheel alignment during reassembly.
4. 4

   Remove lower shaft pinch bolt
   Locate the pinch bolt securing the intermediate shaft to the steering rack input shaft. This is typically a 13mm bolt with a pinch clamp design. Support the intermediate shaft with one hand while removing the bolt completely. Note the bolt orientation for reinstallation.
5. 5

   Separate lower shaft coupling
   Spread the pinch clamp slightly using a flathead screwdriver if needed. Slide the intermediate shaft upward to disengage from the steering rack input shaft splines. If the shaft is tight, gently tap the coupling with a plastic mallet while pulling upward. Do not damage the splines or use excessive force.
6. 6

   Access upper shaft connection
   From inside the vehicle cabin, locate the upper intermediate shaft connection at the base of the steering column, just above the firewall. You may need to remove the lower dash panel or knee bolster for better access. Locate the upper pinch bolt on the steering column shaft coupling.
7. 7

   Remove upper shaft pinch bolt
   Remove the upper pinch bolt securing the intermediate shaft to the steering column shaft. This bolt is typically 13mm. Support the intermediate shaft from below as you remove this bolt to prevent it from falling.
8. 8

   Remove intermediate shaft
   Spread the upper pinch clamp slightly if needed. Carefully slide the intermediate shaft down and away from the steering column shaft, then maneuver it out from underneath the vehicle. Inspect the removed shaft for wear, binding, loose joints, or damaged boots. Check that the U-joints move smoothly without excessive play.
9. 9

   Prepare new intermediate shaft
   Inspect the new intermediate shaft for proper U-joint movement and ensure boots are intact. Compare the new shaft to the old one to verify correct length and coupling sizes. Do not collapse or extend the shaft excessively during handling.
10. 10

    Install upper shaft connection
    From underneath the vehicle, guide the new intermediate shaft up through the firewall opening. Align the upper coupling with the steering column shaft, matching your alignment marks. Ensure the shaft engages fully onto the column shaft splines. The pinch clamp gap should align properly. Install the new upper pinch bolt finger-tight but do not torque yet.
11. 11

    Install lower shaft connection
    Align the lower coupling of the intermediate shaft with the steering rack input shaft, matching your alignment marks. Ensure the shaft slides fully onto the rack input shaft splines with the pinch clamp gap positioned correctly. Install the new lower pinch bolt finger-tight.
12. 12

    Torque shaft connections
    Torque the lower pinch bolt to 31 Nm (23 lb-ft). Then torque the upper pinch bolt to 31 Nm (23 lb-ft). Ensure both pinch clamps are properly tightened and gaps are closed. Verify that the shaft is fully seated on both splines before final torque.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Verify shaft installation
    Remove the steering wheel lock or holder. Carefully turn the steering wheel from lock to lock while observing the intermediate shaft for binding, noise, or interference. The shaft should rotate smoothly without binding. Return the steering wheel to center position and verify alignment marks are still matched.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall any dash panels or knee bolsters removed for access
2. Reinstall front skid plate or undertray if equipped
3. Lower vehicle from jack stands
4. Reconnect negative battery cable
5. Start engine and verify no warning lights related to steering system

Verification

• With engine running, turn steering wheel from lock to lock and verify smooth operation with no binding, clicking, or unusual noises
• Verify steering wheel is centered when wheels are pointed straight ahead
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area to confirm proper steering response and centering
• Check for any vibration or noise through the steering wheel during normal driving
• Verify no steering warning lights are illuminated on the instrument cluster

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