Remove and replace the intermediate steering shaft that connects the steering column to the steering rack on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Intermediate steering shaft assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering shaft coupling bolt (if not included with shaft) × 1 — M10 x 1.5 bolt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground with front wheels pointing straight ahead
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes for airbag system to discharge
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and secure on jack stands at frame rails
5. Remove driver's side front wheel for improved access
6. Mark the steering wheel position relative to the column with paint marker or tape to ensure proper reassembly alignment

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the upper steering column connection
   From inside the cabin, remove the lower steering column cover by removing the screws. Pull the cover away carefully to avoid breaking clips. This exposes the upper coupling where the intermediate shaft connects to the steering column.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Mark the upper shaft alignment
   Using a paint marker, mark the relationship between the intermediate shaft upper coupling and the steering column shaft. Make alignment marks on both the coupling and the column shaft itself. This ensures proper reassembly with no change to steering wheel position.
   ℹ️Accurate alignment marks are critical to maintaining proper steering wheel centering after reassembly.
3. 3

   Remove upper coupling bolt
   Locate the pinch bolt on the upper coupling inside the cabin. This is typically a 14mm or 15mm bolt with a locking nut. Support the intermediate shaft with one hand while removing the coupling bolt completely. Do not allow the shaft to drop suddenly.
   ⚠Support the shaft to prevent it from falling and potentially damaging components below.
   Torque spec

   Coupling Bolt42 Nm (31 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Access the lower steering rack connection
   From beneath the vehicle, locate the intermediate shaft where it connects to the steering rack input shaft. The connection point is typically just forward of the firewall on the driver's side. Clean the area around the lower coupling bolt with a wire brush and apply penetrating oil if corrosion is present.
   ℹ️The lower coupling may be partially obscured by heat shields or exhaust components on the 5.0L V8 engine.
5. 5

   Mark the lower shaft alignment
   Mark the relationship between the intermediate shaft lower coupling and the steering rack input shaft using a paint marker. Make clear alignment marks on both the coupling and the rack shaft to ensure proper reassembly alignment.
   ℹ️Lower alignment marks must be clearly visible as misalignment here will cause steering wheel to be off-center.
6. 6

   Remove lower coupling bolt
   Remove the pinch bolt at the lower coupling connecting the intermediate shaft to the steering rack. This is typically an 18mm bolt. Support the intermediate shaft with one hand while removing the bolt to prevent the shaft from binding or falling.
   Torque spec

   Coupling Bolt42 Nm (31 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Separate and remove intermediate shaft
   Carefully separate the upper coupling from the steering column shaft by pulling downward while gently wiggling the shaft. Then separate the lower coupling from the steering rack input shaft. Remove the intermediate shaft assembly from the vehicle through the bottom. Inspect the removed shaft for worn U-joints, damaged splines, or excessive play.
   ⚠Avoid damaging the steering column shaft splines or steering rack input shaft during removal.
8. 8

   Prepare new intermediate shaft
   Unpack the new intermediate shaft and verify it matches the old shaft in length and coupling design. Apply a thin coat of white lithium grease to the splines on both the upper and lower couplings. Ensure the new coupling bolt is present or have the replacement bolt ready.
   ℹ️Some replacement shafts come pre-greased; do not over-grease as excess will attract dirt.
9. 9

   Install new shaft to steering rack
   From beneath the vehicle, align the lower coupling of the new intermediate shaft with the steering rack input shaft. Match the alignment marks by aligning the new shaft in the same rotational position as marked. Slide the coupling onto the rack input shaft until fully seated. Verify splines are fully engaged.
   ⚠Ensure the coupling slides on smoothly without forcing. Forcing indicates misaligned splines.
10. 10

    Install lower coupling bolt
    Insert the new coupling bolt through the lower coupling and torque to specification. Ensure the bolt passes through both the coupling and the flat section of the steering rack input shaft. Verify the coupling cannot rotate on the shaft after torquing.
    Torque spec

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

    Connect upper shaft to steering column
    From inside the cabin, align the upper coupling with the steering column shaft. Match the alignment marks made during disassembly to ensure proper steering wheel position. Slide the coupling onto the column shaft until fully seated, ensuring splines engage properly.
    ⚠Double-check alignment marks before installing the bolt to prevent steering wheel misalignment.
12. 12

    Install upper coupling bolt
    Insert the coupling bolt through the upper coupling and torque to specification. Ensure the bolt passes through the flat section of the steering column shaft for proper engagement. Verify the coupling is secure and cannot rotate.
    Torque spec

    Coupling Bolt42 Nm (31 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall steering column cover
    Reinstall the lower steering column cover inside the cabin. Ensure all clips are properly seated and install the cover screws, torquing to specification. Verify the cover does not interfere with steering column movement.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the driver's side front wheel and torque lug nuts in a star pattern to specification. Remove jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle to the ground. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all coupling bolts are torqued to specification and properly seated through flat sections of shafts
2. Confirm steering wheel is centered when front wheels are pointing straight ahead
3. Check that steering column moves smoothly through full range of tilt and telescoping adjustment if equipped
4. Verify no unusual noises or binding when turning steering wheel lock to lock while stationary

Verification

• Start the engine and verify the electric power steering system initializes without warning lights on the dashboard
• Turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock while stationary, listening for any clicking, binding, or unusual noises from the intermediate shaft
• Verify steering wheel returns to center position smoothly when released
• Perform a slow-speed test drive in a safe area, confirming steering response is normal with no looseness, binding, or noise
• Verify steering wheel is centered when driving straight and no steering pull is present
• Check for any illuminated warning lights related to the steering system or electronic stability control

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