Complete removal and replacement of the steering column assembly, including disconnection of electrical connections, intermediate shaft coupling, and column mounting hardware.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Steering column assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Intermediate shaft coupling bolt × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering column mounting bolts × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Zip ties for wire harness routing × 10 — Standard automotive grade

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface, apply parking brake, and place transmission in Park
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
3. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait minimum 3 minutes for airbag system capacitor discharge
4. Turn front wheels to straight-ahead position
5. Adjust steering column to lowest tilt and shortest telescoping position for maximum access
6. Remove driver's side knee airbag panel if equipped (lower dash trim below steering column)
7. Take photos of all electrical connector positions and wire harness routing for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove steering wheel
   Using T30 Torx bit, remove the two airbag module retaining screws from the back of the steering wheel (accessible from sides). Carefully pull airbag module away from wheel. Disconnect driver airbag electrical connector and horn connector. Remove and retain steering wheel retaining bolt. Use paint marker to mark exact steering wheel position relative to steering shaft (critical for reassembly). Use steering wheel puller to remove wheel from shaft without damaging clockspring. Place steering wheel and airbag module in safe location away from work area with airbag facing up.
   ⚠️Never place airbag module face down. Always position with airbag facing upward to prevent injury if accidental deployment occurs.
   ⚠Do not strike steering wheel or shaft during removal as this can damage the collapsible column mechanism.
2. 2

   Remove upper and lower steering column shrouds
   Remove screws securing upper column shroud (typically 2-3 screws on underside). Carefully separate upper shroud from lower shroud and remove. Remove lower shroud by releasing retaining tabs and pulling downward. This exposes the clockspring, multifunction switches, and ignition lock cylinder assembly.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect clockspring and remove
   Locate and disconnect the clockspring electrical connectors (typically 2-3 connectors: airbag, horn, and steering wheel controls). Remove clockspring retaining screws and carefully remove clockspring assembly from column. IMPORTANT: Most clocksprings have a locking tab or pin - ensure this is engaged to prevent rotation during storage. If replacing clockspring with new unit, verify new unit is locked in centered position before installation.
   ⚠️The clockspring MUST remain centered and locked during removal and storage. Rotation will damage the internal ribbon cable and render the airbag system inoperative.
4. 4

   Remove multifunction switches and ignition components
   Disconnect electrical connectors from multifunction switch (turn signal/wiper) and other column-mounted switches. Remove switch retaining screws and remove switches from column. If replacing entire column, remove ignition lock cylinder: turn ignition to RUN position, insert small pin or paper clip into release hole near cylinder, depress release tab while pulling cylinder out. Remove ignition switch electrical connector from base of column.
   ⚠Note exact position and routing of shift interlock cable if equipped with column shifter before disconnection.
   Torque spec

   Ignition Switch Bolts5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Mark and disconnect intermediate shaft coupling
   Working in footwell area, locate intermediate shaft coupling where steering column shaft connects to intermediate shaft going to steering rack. Use paint marker to create alignment marks across the coupling joint - mark both the column shaft and intermediate shaft in exact relationship. This is CRITICAL for proper steering wheel centering. Remove coupling pinch bolt. Use dead blow hammer to gently tap coupling to separate if tight. Do NOT rotate either shaft after separation.
   ⚠️Failure to properly mark shaft alignment will result in off-center steering wheel after reassembly. Double-check marks are clearly visible before proceeding.
   ⚠Do not allow intermediate shaft to rotate or drop after disconnection. Secure with wire or tape if necessary.
   Torque spec

   Pinch Bolt30 Nm (22 lb-ft)

   Coupling Bolt42 Nm (31 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Disconnect electrical connectors and harnesses
   Working from under dash, disconnect all remaining electrical connectors from steering column: ignition switch connector, PRNDL indicator (if equipped), gear position sensor/transmission range sensor connector, steering angle sensor connector, and any additional body harness connectors. Carefully release wire harness routing clips and ties securing harnesses to column. Take photos showing exact harness routing before removal.
   ℹ️The steering angle sensor connector may have a secondary lock that must be released before connector can be separated.
7. 7

   Remove column mounting hardware
   Locate four steering column mounting bolts securing column bracket to instrument panel support beam (typically two upper and two lower bolts). Support weight of steering column with one hand or have assistant support it. Remove all four mounting bolts. Carefully lower steering column and guide it out from under dash, being careful not to damage surrounding trim, wiring, or brake pedal assembly.
   ⚠Steering column is heavier than it appears (approximately 15-20 lbs). Ensure proper support to prevent dropping and damaging column or surrounding components.
   Torque spec

   Steering Column Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)

   Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Inspect and prepare new steering column
   With old column removed, inspect mounting area for damage or debris. Clean mounting surfaces. Compare new column to old column to verify correct replacement part. If new column does not include clockspring, switches, or other components, carefully transfer these from old column to new column, ensuring all are properly seated and torqued per specifications. Verify clockspring is centered and locked before installation.
   ℹ️Some replacement columns come as bare assemblies requiring transfer of all electrical components. Verify what is included with replacement part before beginning installation.
9. 9

   Install new steering column
   Carefully guide new steering column into position under dash, routing all electrical harnesses and ensuring they are not pinched or kinked. Align column mounting bracket with holes in instrument panel support beam. Hand-start all four mounting bolts before tightening any. Once all bolts are started, torque mounting bolts in crisscross pattern to specification.
   ⚠Ensure column shaft is properly aligned and does not contact dash or other components throughout full range of tilt and telescoping adjustment.
   Torque spec

   Steering Column Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)

   Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Connect intermediate shaft coupling
    Align column shaft with intermediate shaft using alignment marks made during disassembly. Slide coupling over both shafts ensuring marks are perfectly aligned. Install NEW coupling bolt (or coupling pinch bolt as applicable to your specific model) and torque to specification. Double-check that alignment marks still match after tightening.
    ⚠️Coupling MUST be aligned exactly per original marks. Even slight misalignment will result in off-center steering wheel and potential binding.
    Torque spec

    Pinch Bolt30 Nm (22 lb-ft)

    Coupling Bolt42 Nm (31 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect all electrical connections
    Reconnect all electrical connectors to steering column in reverse order of removal: ignition switch, steering angle sensor, gear position sensor, PRNDL indicator, and body harness connectors. Ensure all connectors are fully seated with secondary locks engaged. Route harnesses exactly as shown in reference photos, securing with new zip ties at original locations. Verify no wires are pinched or in contact with moving parts.
    ℹ️Improper harness routing can cause wires to be damaged by tilt/telescoping mechanism or create noise during operation.
12. 12

    Reinstall multifunction switches and clockspring
    Install ignition lock cylinder if removed (insert key, turn to RUN, install cylinder until click is heard). Reinstall multifunction switches and secure with retaining screws. Install centered and locked clockspring onto column, aligning mounting tabs. Secure clockspring with retaining screws and connect all electrical connectors. Verify clockspring rotates smoothly through its range before proceeding.
    Torque spec

    Ignition Switch Bolts5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install column shrouds and steering wheel
    Install lower column shroud, ensuring all retaining tabs engage properly. Install upper shroud and secure with screws, torquing to specification. Verify wheels are still in straight-ahead position. Align steering wheel to shaft using alignment marks made during removal. Install wheel onto shaft, ensuring clockspring connector is accessible and not pinched. Install and torque steering wheel bolt to specification (refer to service manual for this torque - not provided in database).
    ⚠Steering wheel bolt torque is critical and varies by model year. Consult Ford service manual for exact specification - typically 40-50 Nm but MUST be verified.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Install airbag module and final assembly
    Connect horn and airbag electrical connectors to airbag module. Carefully position airbag module onto steering wheel, ensuring no wires are pinched. Install and torque airbag module retaining screws using T30 Torx bit. Reinstall knee airbag panel or lower dash trim. Reconnect negative battery cable.
    ⚠️Ensure airbag connectors are fully seated. Improper connection will prevent airbag deployment in a crash.

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to specifications in sequence indicated
2. Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated with secondary locks engaged
3. Confirm clockspring remained centered throughout installation process
4. Ensure all wire harnesses are routed away from moving parts and secured with zip ties
5. Verify steering column operates smoothly through full range of tilt and telescoping adjustment
6. Confirm intermediate shaft coupling alignment marks are perfectly matched

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position (engine off) and verify all warning lights function normally, then extinguish as expected
• Verify PRNDL indicator displays correctly through all gear positions
• Check that airbag warning light illuminates during bulb check then extinguishes (if light stays on, use scan tool to check for codes)
• Test all multifunction switch operations: turn signals, wipers, high beams, cruise control, steering wheel audio controls
• With engine running, verify power steering assistance is functioning normally with no abnormal noises
• Test tilt and telescoping column adjustment operates smoothly with positive locking in all positions
• Verify steering wheel is centered when driving straight ahead on level road - if off-center, intermediate shaft coupling alignment is incorrect and must be corrected
• Using Ford IDS or equivalent professional scan tool, perform steering angle sensor calibration and clear any stored codes
• Verify ignition key operates smoothly through all positions (LOCK, ACC, ON, START) and steering lock engages when key is removed
• Perform a slow-speed test drive in safe area to confirm normal steering operation with no binding, unusual resistance, or abnormal noises

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