Replacement of the intermediate steering shaft that connects the steering column to the steering rack, addressing common clunking or binding issues during steering input.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Intermediate steering shaft assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering shaft pinch bolt (upper) × 1 — M8 pinch bolt
• Steering shaft pinch bolt (lower) × 1 — M8 pinch bolt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake firmly
2. Chock rear wheels securely
3. Turn ignition to ACC position and center the steering wheel precisely
4. Turn ignition off and remove key to engage steering lock (or use steering wheel lock)
5. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes for airbag system to discharge
6. Raise front of vehicle and support on jack stands at factory jacking points

Procedure

1. 1

   Access steering shaft from below
   Remove the lower steering column cover from inside the cabin if necessary for upper shaft access. From underneath the vehicle, locate the intermediate steering shaft which connects the steering column to the steering rack input shaft. Clean the area around both pinch bolt connections with penetrating lubricant if corrosion is present.
2. 2

   Mark shaft alignment positions
   Using a center punch or paint marker, make alignment marks on both the upper coupling (steering column to intermediate shaft) and lower coupling (intermediate shaft to steering rack pinion). Mark the shaft position relative to both the column shaft splines and rack pinion splines. These marks are critical for maintaining proper steering wheel alignment during reassembly.
3. 3

   Remove upper pinch bolt
   Locate the upper pinch bolt that secures the intermediate shaft to the steering column shaft inside the cabin or just below the firewall. Use a 14mm socket to loosen and remove the pinch bolt completely. Note the bolt orientation and any washers present. You may need to work from inside the cabin depending on access.
4. 4

   Remove lower pinch bolt
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the lower pinch bolt securing the intermediate shaft to the steering rack input shaft. Use a 14mm socket to loosen and remove the lower pinch bolt completely. Keep track of the bolt orientation and any washers. Apply penetrating lubricant if the bolt is seized.
5. 5

   Separate and remove intermediate shaft
   Carefully slide the intermediate shaft upward off the steering rack pinion shaft, then separate it from the steering column shaft. You may need to gently pry or use a twisting motion to break the spline connection free. Be careful not to rotate either the steering column or rack pinion during removal. Remove the complete intermediate shaft assembly from the vehicle.
6. 6

   Inspect and prepare new shaft
   Inspect the steering column and rack pinion splines for wear, damage, or corrosion. Clean both splined shafts with a wire brush if necessary. Compare the new intermediate shaft to the old unit to confirm correct part. Check that both U-joints on the new shaft move freely without binding. Apply a thin coat of white lithium grease to the splines on both the column shaft and rack pinion if desired.
7. 7

   Install new intermediate shaft
   Position the new intermediate shaft assembly and slide the lower coupling onto the steering rack pinion shaft first, aligning the splines and matching your alignment marks. Then connect the upper coupling to the steering column shaft, again aligning splines with your reference marks. Ensure both connections are fully seated onto the splines. Verify that the shaft is oriented correctly and matches the original installation position.
8. 8

   Install lower pinch bolt
   Insert the new lower pinch bolt through the lower coupling, ensuring it passes through the groove in the rack pinion shaft. Thread the bolt by hand first to avoid cross-threading. Torque the lower pinch bolt to 26 Nm (19 lb-ft) using a torque wrench. Verify the coupling cannot rotate on the pinion shaft after tightening.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install upper pinch bolt
   Insert the new upper pinch bolt through the upper coupling, ensuring it passes through the groove in the steering column shaft. Thread the bolt by hand first. Torque the upper pinch bolt to 26 Nm (19 lb-ft) using a torque wrench. Verify the coupling cannot rotate on the column shaft after tightening.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Verify shaft operation and reinstall covers
    Manually check that the intermediate shaft U-joints move smoothly through their full range of motion without binding or excessive play. Reinstall the lower steering column cover inside the cabin if it was removed. Lower the vehicle from jack stands.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the negative battery terminal
2. Start the vehicle and verify no airbag warning lights are illuminated
3. Verify steering wheel is still centered when wheels are pointing straight ahead

Verification

• Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary and listen for any clunking, binding, or unusual noises from the intermediate shaft area
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify smooth steering input response without play or binding
• Verify steering wheel returns to center properly after turning
• Confirm steering wheel alignment matches straight-ahead wheel position
• Re-check both pinch bolt torques after test drive to ensure they remain tight

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