steering

Steering Shaft - Upper

for 2021 Honda Civic 1.5L I4 Turbo · FWD

Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years

Difficulty

Moderate

Time

1.5 h

Tools

Steps

✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

Replace the upper steering shaft connecting the steering wheel to the lower steering shaft and steering rack assembly on a 2016-2021 Honda Civic with 1.5L turbo engine.

Warnings

⚠️Never turn the steering wheel with the steering shaft disconnected. This will damage the SRS (airbag) clock spring and require expensive replacement.

⚠Ensure the front wheels are pointed straight ahead before disconnecting the steering shaft to maintain proper alignment of the SRS clock spring.

⚠Disconnect the negative battery terminal and wait at least 3 minutes before working near the steering wheel to allow airbag system capacitors to discharge.

Tools required

Socket set with ratchetEssential

Torque wrench (10-130 Nm range)Essential

Combination wrench setEssential

Flat blade screwdriverEssential

Steering wheel holder or locking toolEssential

Trim panel removal tools

Flashlight or work light

White paint marker or alignment marksEssential

Parts

Upper steering shaft × 1 — Use OEM specification
Steering shaft pinch bolt × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface with front wheels pointed straight ahead
Apply parking brake and place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait minimum 3 minutes for SRS system discharge
Mark the steering wheel position relative to the column with paint marker for reassembly reference
Install steering wheel holder or lock the steering wheel to prevent rotation during service

Procedure

1
Remove lower dashboard cover
Remove the lower dashboard cover below the steering column. Use trim tools or flat blade screwdriver to carefully release clips. Remove the cover screws if equipped and set the panel aside.
Torque spec
Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
2
Access upper steering shaft connection
Locate the upper steering shaft connection point at the base of the steering column. You may need to remove additional trim panels or knee bolster for better access. Use a flashlight to clearly see the pinch bolt and shaft coupling.
3
Mark shaft alignment
Before disconnecting anything, use the white paint marker to create alignment marks on both the upper and lower shaft sections where they connect. Mark the pinch bolt location and the relative position of the splines. This ensures proper reassembly alignment.
4
Remove upper shaft pinch bolt
Locate the pinch bolt securing the upper steering shaft to the lower shaft coupling. Using a combination wrench and socket, loosen and remove the pinch bolt completely. Note the bolt orientation for installation of the new bolt.
⚠Support the steering shaft with one hand while removing the pinch bolt to prevent it from dropping.
5
Disconnect upper shaft from lower shaft
Carefully separate the upper steering shaft from the lower shaft spline connection. Pull straight back toward the driver's seat area. If stuck, gently rotate the shaft back and forth slightly while pulling to release the splines. Do not use excessive force or pry tools that could damage the splines.
6
Remove upper steering column mounting
Locate the mounting bolts securing the upper steering column to the dashboard support structure. Remove these mounting bolts using appropriate socket. Support the column while removing the last bolt.
Torque spec
Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
7
Disconnect electrical connectors
Disconnect any electrical connectors attached to the steering column assembly, including the clock spring connector if necessary. Press the release tabs and carefully pull connectors straight off. Note the routing of wiring harnesses for reassembly.
8
Remove upper steering shaft assembly
Carefully remove the upper steering shaft assembly from the vehicle by pulling it back and down from the column mounting area. Maneuver it out through the driver's footwell area. Keep track of any spacers or shims that may be present at mounting points.
9
Install new upper steering shaft
Position the new upper steering shaft assembly into the vehicle through the driver's footwell area. Align it with the mounting points on the dashboard support structure. Ensure any spacers or shims are in their correct positions.
10
Secure column mounting bolts
Install the steering column mounting bolts and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. Ensure the column is properly seated before tightening. Torque bolts in a cross pattern if multiple bolts are present.
Torque spec
Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
11
Reconnect electrical connectors
Reconnect all electrical connectors to the steering column assembly, ensuring they click securely into place. Route wiring harnesses in their original positions and secure any clips or retainers.
12
Connect upper shaft to lower shaft
Align the splines of the new upper steering shaft with the lower steering shaft coupling. Use the alignment marks made earlier as reference. Push the upper shaft onto the lower shaft splines until fully seated. The shafts should align with your reference marks.
13
Install new pinch bolt
Install the new pinch bolt through the coupling, ensuring it passes through the bolt hole in both shaft sections. Install the nut and torque to specification. Verify that the bolt is oriented correctly and passes through the shaft notches properly.
⚠️The pinch bolt MUST be properly installed through both shaft sections. An improperly installed pinch bolt can cause loss of steering control.
Torque spec
Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
14
Reinstall dashboard covers
Reinstall the lower dashboard cover and any other trim panels removed during disassembly. Ensure all clips are properly seated and install any screws. Verify all panels are secure.
Torque spec
Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
15
Reconnect battery and test
Remove the steering wheel holder. Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Start the vehicle and turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock to verify smooth operation with no binding or unusual noises. Check that the steering wheel is centered when wheels are straight ahead.

Reassembly

Verify all electrical connectors are securely attached and locked in place
Ensure steering wheel is still locked or held in position until shaft is reconnected
Double-check that alignment marks on shafts match before final tightening of pinch bolt
Confirm all dashboard trim panels and covers are properly secured

Verification

Start engine and verify no warning lights related to steering or SRS system
Turn steering wheel slowly from lock to lock while stationary - should move smoothly with no binding, clicking, or popping noises
Verify steering wheel is centered when front wheels are pointed straight ahead
Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area to confirm normal steering operation and response
Check that steering returns to center properly after turns
Scan for any diagnostic trouble codes related to steering or SRS systems

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