This procedure covers the complete removal and replacement of the steering column assembly on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine, including disconnection of electrical components and intermediate shaft.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Steering column assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Lower steering shaft pinch bolt × 1 — Replace if worn or damaged
• Steering column mounting bolts × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Electrical connector seals (if damaged) × 1 — Inspect during removal

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn steering wheel to straight-ahead position and note position for reassembly
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait minimum 60 minutes for airbag system capacitor discharge
4. Remove driver's side knee bolster panel using trim tools to access steering column area
5. Document or photograph all electrical connector positions before disconnection
6. If equipped, disable automatic steering wheel adjustment and move to full up and full out position for access
7. Raise vehicle slightly on jack stands if additional access to intermediate shaft is needed from below

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove steering wheel (if necessary)
   If steering wheel removal is required for your specific repair: Remove the airbag module by accessing the spring clips from the rear of the steering wheel. Disconnect the airbag electrical connector. Mark the steering wheel position on the shaft. Remove the steering wheel retaining bolt and use a proper steering wheel puller to remove the wheel. Never strike the wheel or column shaft.
   ⚠️Handle airbag module carefully. Point airbag away from your body at all times. Store airbag face-up on a clean surface away from work area.
2. 2

   Remove upper and lower steering column covers
   Remove the screws securing the upper and lower steering column shroud covers. These are typically Torx screws located on the underside and sides of the column. Carefully separate the covers and remove them from the column, being mindful of any wire routing clips.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect electrical connectors
   Identify and label all electrical connectors on the steering column including: ignition switch connector, multi-function switch connectors (turn signal/wiper), shift interlock solenoid (if column shift), and any steering wheel control connectors. Press release tabs and carefully disconnect each connector. For connectors with secondary locks, release the lock mechanism before attempting removal.
   ⚠Use proper technique when releasing connector locks. Forcing connectors can break locking tabs, requiring replacement of expensive components.
4. 4

   Remove shift cable (if column shift equipped)
   If equipped with column shift: Release the shift cable from the column shift lever using the cable retaining clip. Depress the locking tab and slide the cable end from the shift lever ball stud. Support the cable to prevent it from falling.
   ℹ️Many F-150 models have console-mounted shifters. Skip this step if your vehicle has a floor-mounted shifter.
5. 5

   Mark intermediate shaft relationship
   At the base of the steering column, locate the intermediate shaft coupling where the column shaft connects to the intermediate shaft. Using a paint marker or scribe, mark the exact rotational relationship between the steering column shaft and the intermediate shaft yoke. This ensures proper alignment during reassembly and prevents steering wheel misalignment.
   ⚠Accurate alignment marks are critical. Misalignment will result in off-center steering wheel position after reassembly.
6. 6

   Disconnect intermediate shaft
   Remove the intermediate shaft pinch bolt that secures the shaft to the base of the steering column. This bolt is accessible from below the dash or from the engine bay side of the firewall. Once removed, carefully separate the intermediate shaft from the steering column shaft by pulling downward. The shaft should slide off the splined column shaft. Do not allow the steering wheel to rotate after disconnection.
   ⚠Lock the steering wheel in place with tape or the ignition lock to prevent rotation and potential clockspring damage.
   Torque spec

   Pinch Bolt30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove ignition switch assembly
   If the ignition switch is being transferred to the new column or is being replaced separately: Remove the ignition switch mounting bolts located on the side of the column housing. Carefully withdraw the ignition switch from the column actuator mechanism. Note the orientation and engagement of the actuating rod.
   ℹ️Some replacement columns come with ignition switch pre-installed. Verify your replacement part configuration before proceeding.
   Torque spec

   Ignition Switch Bolts5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove steering column mounting fasteners
   Locate the steering column mounting bracket bolts that secure the column to the instrument panel support structure. There are typically two upper mounting bolts and two lower mounting bolts. Support the weight of the steering column with your hand or an adjustable stand before removing the bolts. Remove all mounting bolts while continuing to support the column weight.
   ⚠The steering column is heavier than it appears and can fall unexpectedly once mounting bolts are removed. Ensure proper support to prevent damage or injury.
   Torque spec

   Steering Column Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)

   Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Remove steering column from vehicle
   With all fasteners removed and electrical connections disconnected, carefully maneuver the steering column out of the vehicle. Guide it downward and toward the driver's seat area. Feed any wiring harnesses through their routing points. Avoid striking the column shaft against hard surfaces or allowing the column to drop. Place the removed column on a clean, padded surface.
   ⚠️Handle the column shaft with extreme care. Any impact or bending of the shaft can compromise the column's crash safety integrity.
10. 10

    Transfer components to new column
    If applicable, transfer reusable components from the old column to the new column assembly. This may include: multi-function switch assemblies, ignition switch (if not included), shift lever assembly, and any specific trim pieces. Ensure all components are properly seated and secured per manufacturer specifications before installation.
    ℹ️Verify which components are included with your replacement column. Some complete assemblies include all switches and actuators.
    Torque spec

    Ignition Switch Bolts5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install new steering column assembly
    Carefully position the new steering column assembly into the vehicle, reversing the removal process. Guide the column into position, ensuring all wiring harnesses route properly through firewall grommets and mounting areas. Align the mounting bracket with the instrument panel support structure. Hand-thread all mounting bolts before tightening any of them.
    ⚠Verify that no wiring is pinched between mounting surfaces before tightening bolts.
12. 12

    Secure column mounting bolts
    Tighten all steering column mounting bolts to specification using a torque wrench. Follow a cross-pattern tightening sequence if multiple bolts are present at the same mounting level. Ensure the column bracket seats fully against the mounting surface. Verify the column moves smoothly through its tilt and telescoping range (if equipped) without binding.
    ⚠️Proper torque values are critical for steering column safety. Under-tightening can allow column movement in a crash; over-tightening can damage mounting points.
    Torque spec

    Steering Column Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)

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

    Connect intermediate shaft
    Align the alignment marks made during disassembly on the intermediate shaft and steering column shaft. Slide the intermediate shaft onto the steering column shaft splines, ensuring full engagement. Install the new pinch bolt and tighten to specification. Verify the marks remain aligned after tightening.
    ⚠️The intermediate shaft pinch bolt is critical for maintaining steering connection. Use a new bolt if specified by manufacturer and verify proper torque.
    Torque spec

    Pinch Bolt30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect all electrical connectors
    Reconnect all electrical connectors to their original positions as documented during removal. Ensure each connector clicks fully into place and any secondary locking mechanisms are engaged. Route all wiring away from moving parts and sharp edges. Connect shift cable if equipped, ensuring proper engagement with the shift lever.
    ⚠Verify each connector is fully seated. Partial connections can cause intermittent electrical issues that are difficult to diagnose.
15. 15

    Install column covers and steering wheel
    If steering wheel was removed, align the wheel to the previously marked position and install onto the column shaft. Install and torque the steering wheel bolt per manufacturer specification. Reconnect the airbag connector and install the airbag module, ensuring it locks securely. Install upper and lower column shrouds and secure with screws to specification.
    ⚠️Ensure airbag module is properly secured. An improperly installed airbag can deploy unexpectedly or fail to deploy in a crash.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws12 Nm (9 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall driver's side knee bolster panel and any other trim removed for access
2. Reconnect battery negative terminal
3. Turn ignition to ON position (engine off) and verify all steering column functions operate correctly
4. Verify no warning lights are illuminated on instrument cluster related to steering or airbag systems
5. If airbag warning light is illuminated, the system may require professional scan tool programming to clear codes

Verification

• With engine off, verify steering wheel turns smoothly lock-to-lock with no binding or unusual noises
• Check that steering wheel is centered when front wheels are pointed straight ahead
• Test all steering column functions: turn signals, wipers, high beams, cruise control, and any steering wheel controls
• Verify ignition switch operates properly through all positions (LOCK, ACC, ON, START)
• If equipped with tilt/telescoping column, verify adjustment mechanisms work smoothly and lock securely
• Test drive vehicle in a safe area at low speeds to verify proper steering operation and column stability
• Verify no airbag warning lights remain illuminated after test drive
• Check for any rattles or unusual noises from the column during operation over bumps and during turning
• After 50-100 miles of operation, re-check intermediate shaft pinch bolt torque to ensure it has not loosened

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