This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the upper steering shaft on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8 engine, including disconnection from the steering column and lower shaft coupling.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Upper steering shaft assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Coupling bolt × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
3. Center the steering wheel and verify front wheels are pointed straight ahead
4. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 5 minutes for airbag system capacitors to discharge
5. Chock rear wheels for safety
6. Ensure adequate lighting under dash and at firewall penetration

Procedure

1. 1

   Access lower dash area
   Remove the lower steering column cover by removing the cover screws. Pull the cover away from the column to release any retaining clips. Set aside in a clean location to prevent scratches.
   Torque spec

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

   Mark shaft alignment
   Using a white paint marker, make alignment marks across the upper steering shaft and lower steering shaft at the coupling. Mark both the shafts and the coupling itself in at least two locations to ensure proper reassembly alignment. Take a photo for reference.
   ⚠These alignment marks are critical. Improper alignment will result in an off-center steering wheel and potential handling issues.
3. 3

   Remove coupling bolt
   Locate the coupling bolt connecting the upper and lower steering shafts at the firewall area. This bolt secures the splined joint. Apply penetrating oil if the bolt shows corrosion. Using a socket wrench, remove the coupling bolt completely and set aside for replacement with new hardware.
   ℹ️The coupling bolt should be replaced with a new bolt during reassembly per Ford service recommendations.
   Torque spec

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

   Separate shaft coupling
   With the coupling bolt removed, carefully separate the upper shaft from the lower shaft at the coupling. You may need to gently pry or tap the coupling to break it free from the splines. Do not use excessive force. Support the lower shaft to prevent it from dropping or rotating.
   ⚠Do not allow the lower shaft to rotate or the steering wheel to turn after disconnection. Secure steering wheel with tape or a strap if necessary.
5. 5

   Remove upper mounting fasteners
   Locate the mounting bolts securing the upper steering shaft bracket to the steering column mounting points. Remove these mounting bolts while supporting the upper shaft assembly. The shaft may be secured with 2-3 bolts depending on configuration.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove upper steering shaft
   With all fasteners removed, carefully slide the upper steering shaft assembly away from the steering column and out of the vehicle cabin. Feed the shaft through the firewall area if necessary. Inspect the shaft for wear, damage, or excessive play in the universal joints. Clean the mounting surfaces and lower shaft splines with a wire brush.
7. 7

   Install new upper steering shaft
   Position the new upper steering shaft assembly into the vehicle, routing it through the firewall area. Align the shaft with the steering column mounting bracket. Ensure the shaft is properly seated before installing fasteners. Do not fully tighten mounting bolts yet.
   Torque spec

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

   Connect shaft coupling
   Align the upper shaft splines with the lower shaft splines using the alignment marks made during disassembly. The marks on both shafts and coupling must line up precisely. Slide the coupling together until fully seated. Verify the steering wheel remains centered with wheels pointed straight ahead.
   ⚠Misalignment of splines will result in binding, clunking, or off-center steering wheel. Triple-check alignment marks before proceeding.
9. 9

   Install new coupling bolt
   Install the new coupling bolt through the coupling, ensuring it passes through both shaft splines. Hand-thread the bolt first to verify proper engagement. Using a torque wrench, tighten the coupling bolt to specification. This is a critical fastener for steering safety.
   ⚠️The coupling bolt must be torqued to exact specification. Under-torquing can result in shaft separation and complete loss of steering control.
   Torque spec

   Coupling Bolt42 Nm (31 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Torque mounting bolts
    Return to the upper shaft mounting bolts at the steering column bracket. Verify the shaft is properly positioned and seated. Torque all mounting bolts to specification in a cross pattern if multiple bolts are present.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall steering column covers
    Reinstall the lower steering column cover by aligning the retaining clips and pressing the cover into place. Install the cover screws and torque to specification. Ensure all trim pieces are properly seated and secure.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect battery and test
    Reconnect the negative battery cable. Turn the ignition to ON position without starting the engine. Verify the steering wheel is centered and the front wheels are pointed straight ahead. Check that all warning lights function normally. Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock slowly while stationary to verify smooth operation with no binding or unusual noises.

Reassembly

1. Verify all alignment marks are properly matched before final torque
2. Replace coupling bolt with new hardware - do not reuse the original bolt
3. Ensure steering wheel remains centered throughout the procedure
4. Double-check all torque specifications with a calibrated torque wrench

Verification

• Start the engine and verify no steering warning lights on the instrument cluster
• With engine running, turn steering wheel slowly lock-to-lock and verify smooth operation with no binding, clunking, or unusual noises
• Verify steering wheel is centered when wheels are pointed straight ahead
• Test drive in a safe area at low speed to confirm proper steering feel and response
• Verify no steering play or looseness at the coupling
• Confirm airbag warning light is not illuminated and clockspring is functioning properly

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