Replacement of the intermediate steering shaft connecting the steering column to the steering rack, typically performed to eliminate clunking or binding during steering input.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Intermediate steering shaft assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Upper steering shaft bolt (if not reusable) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Lower steering shaft bolt (if not reusable) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface with front wheels pointed straight ahead
2. Set parking brake and place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
4. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes for airbag system to discharge
5. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands
6. Remove driver side front wheel for improved access (optional but recommended)

Procedure

1. 1

   Lock steering wheel in center position
   Install a steering wheel lock or use a bungee cord to secure the steering wheel in the centered position. This prevents rotation of the steering column and clock spring during shaft removal. Verify front wheels are still pointing straight ahead.
2. 2

   Access intermediate shaft from underneath
   Working from underneath the vehicle, locate the intermediate steering shaft connecting the steering column to the steering rack input shaft. On AWD models, you may need to remove the engine undercover for better access. Remove any heat shields or protective covers that obstruct access to the shaft connections.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Mark shaft alignment
   Use a paint marker to create alignment marks across both the upper connection (steering column to intermediate shaft) and lower connection (intermediate shaft to rack pinion input shaft). Make clear, visible marks that span both halves of each connection. These marks are critical for maintaining proper steering wheel alignment during reassembly.
4. 4

   Remove upper shaft connection bolt
   Locate the upper pinch bolt connecting the intermediate shaft to the steering column. Apply penetrating oil if corrosion is present. Remove the pinch bolt completely. The shaft may have a clamp-style connection that will need to be spread slightly with a pry bar to separate.
   ⚠Support the intermediate shaft with one hand while removing the bolt to prevent it from dropping unexpectedly.
5. 5

   Remove lower shaft connection bolt
   Locate the lower pinch bolt connecting the intermediate shaft to the steering rack input shaft. Remove the pinch bolt completely. If the connection is tight, use a pry bar to carefully spread the clamp while pulling the shaft away from the rack input shaft.
6. 6

   Remove intermediate shaft assembly
   Carefully slide the intermediate shaft away from both the upper steering column and lower rack input shaft. The shaft may have a collapsible section that telescopes - handle carefully to avoid damage. Remove the shaft from the vehicle and inspect u-joints for wear, binding, or damage.
7. 7

   Inspect and prepare new shaft
   Compare the new intermediate shaft to the old unit to verify correct part. Check that all u-joints move freely without binding. If the new shaft has a telescoping section, ensure it moves smoothly. Clean the steering column output shaft and rack input shaft with a wire brush to remove any corrosion or debris.
8. 8

   Install new intermediate shaft
   Position the new intermediate shaft and align it first with the lower rack input shaft, ensuring the splines engage properly. Then align and engage the upper connection to the steering column output shaft. Verify both ends are fully seated on their respective shafts before installing bolts.
   ⚠Ensure the shaft is oriented correctly - the u-joints should align with your original alignment marks to prevent binding.
9. 9

   Install and torque lower connection bolt
   Install the lower pinch bolt through the clamp at the rack input shaft connection. Align the clamp gap as it was originally (typically opposite the bolt). Torque the bolt to specification using a torque wrench. Note: Use the Mounting Bolts specification of 27.0 Nm (20.0 lb-ft) for pinch bolts unless otherwise specified in the service manual.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install and torque upper connection bolt
    Install the upper pinch bolt through the clamp at the steering column connection. Ensure the clamp gap is properly oriented. Torque the bolt to 27.0 Nm (20.0 lb-ft). After torquing, verify your alignment marks are still aligned - if they are not, the steering wheel will be off-center.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall protective covers
    Reinstall any heat shields, protective covers, or engine undercovers that were removed for access. Torque cover screws to 11.0 Nm (8.0 lb-ft) if applicable.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    If the driver side front wheel was removed, reinstall it and torque lug nuts to 136.0 Nm (100.0 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle from jack stands and remove the jack. Do not remove the steering wheel lock yet.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reconnect negative battery terminal
2. Remove steering wheel lock only after verifying the steering system is fully reassembled
3. If alignment marks were properly transferred, steering wheel should be centered when wheels are straight

Verification

• Start the engine and verify no warning lights related to steering or airbag systems
• With vehicle stationary, turn steering wheel lock-to-lock slowly and listen for any clunking, binding, or unusual noises
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area, checking for smooth steering operation, proper centering, and no abnormal noises
• Verify steering wheel returns to center after turns and that there is no binding at any steering angle
• If steering wheel is off-center with wheels straight, the shaft may have been installed incorrectly and must be removed and reinstalled with proper alignment

More procedures for this vehicle