This procedure covers removal and installation of the steering column assembly on a 2014 Ram 2500 with 6.7L Cummins diesel engine, including disconnecting electrical connections, removing column covers, and separating the column from the intermediate shaft.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Steering column assembly (if replacing) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Intermediate shaft pinch bolt (recommended replacement) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering column trim covers (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and set parking brake firmly
2. Place transmission in Park position
3. Turn steering wheel to straight-ahead position and verify front wheels are pointed straight
4. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
5. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait minimum 2 minutes for airbag system capacitor discharge
6. Remove lower driver's side knee bolster panel by removing retaining screws
7. Adjust steering column to lowest tilt and telescope position for maximum working clearance
8. Mark steering wheel position relative to column shaft with paint pen or tape

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove steering wheel
   Remove the plastic covers on both sides of the steering wheel to access airbag module bolts. Remove the two T30 Torx bolts securing the airbag module (located on back of wheel). Carefully pull airbag module away from wheel and disconnect the two electrical connectors (airbag and horn). Set airbag module face-up in safe location away from work area. Remove the steering wheel retaining nut using appropriate socket. Use a steering wheel puller to remove the steering wheel - do NOT strike the wheel or column shaft. As you remove the wheel, carefully feed the clockspring pigtail through the wheel opening.
   ⚠️Place airbag module face-up on a clean surface away from the work area. Never place face-down as accidental deployment could cause serious injury.
2. 2

   Remove upper and lower column covers
   Remove the screws securing the upper and lower steering column shroud covers. There are typically 2-3 Phillips head screws on the bottom shroud. Carefully separate the lower cover from the upper cover and remove both pieces. Some covers have alignment tabs that require gentle prying. Disconnect any electrical connectors for tilt/telescope switches if equipped.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect clockspring and electrical connectors
   Locate the clockspring assembly at the base of the steering column below where the wheel was mounted. Disconnect the clockspring electrical connector (yellow connector with locking tab). Disconnect all other electrical connectors from the steering column including: multifunction switch connectors, ignition switch connector, shifter interlock cable (if equipped), and any other wiring harnesses attached to the column. Use a small flathead screwdriver to release connector locks if necessary. Label each connector location with tape for reinstallation reference.
   ⚠The clockspring connector may have a secondary lock. Ensure the locking tab is fully released before pulling connector apart to avoid damaging pins.
4. 4

   Remove multifunction switch assembly
   If replacing the steering column, remove the multifunction (turn signal/wiper) switch assembly from the column. Remove the Torx screws securing the switch housing to the column. Carefully slide the switch assembly off the column shaft. If reusing switches with a new column, mark orientation for proper reinstallation.
   ℹ️Some switch assemblies may have internal springs. Control removal to prevent parts from springing loose.
5. 5

   Remove ignition lock cylinder and ignition switch
   Turn ignition cylinder to RUN position. Insert a small punch or paperclip into the release hole on the ignition cylinder housing and depress the retaining pin while pulling the cylinder out. Remove the two ignition switch mounting bolts and disconnect the ignition switch from the column. The switch is located on the side of the column housing.
   ⚠Keep track of the ignition cylinder and key. Do not lose the small retaining pin spring inside the housing.
   Torque spec

   Ignition Switch Bolts5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Disconnect shifter interlock and cable (if equipped)
   Locate the shift interlock cable connected to the side of the steering column (automatic transmission). Depress the locking tab and disconnect the cable from the column mechanism. Remove any cable retaining clips. Note the cable routing for reinstallation.
   ℹ️The interlock cable is under slight tension. Control it during removal to prevent it from snapping back.
7. 7

   Separate intermediate shaft from steering column
   Working in the driver's footwell area, locate the intermediate shaft coupling at the base of the steering column where it connects to the shaft going through the firewall. Mark the relationship between the column shaft and intermediate shaft U-joint with paint pen for proper alignment during reinstallation. Remove the pinch bolt securing the intermediate shaft to the column shaft. Use a 13mm wrench and socket. Once bolt is removed, carefully separate the intermediate shaft from the column shaft by pulling downward and wiggling gently. Do not use excessive force.
   ⚠️CRITICAL: The pinch bolt MUST be marked for orientation and the shaft coupling alignment MUST be marked before separation. Improper alignment during reinstallation can cause binding, vibration, or steering failure.
   Torque spec

   Pinch Bolt30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove steering column mounting fasteners
   Locate the four steering column mounting bolts that secure the column bracket to the instrument panel support beam. There are typically two upper bolts and two lower bolts accessible from different angles. Support the weight of the steering column with one hand or have an assistant hold it. Remove all four steering column mounting bolts using appropriate socket and extensions. The column is now free from the vehicle.
   ⚠The steering column is heavier than it appears and awkward to handle. Support it carefully during removal to prevent dropping it or damaging instrument panel components.
   Torque spec

   Steering Column Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Remove steering column from vehicle
   Carefully maneuver the steering column assembly out from under the instrument panel. Feed all wiring harnesses through the opening as you withdraw the column. The column will need to be tilted and rotated to clear the instrument panel and dash structure. Work slowly to avoid damaging surrounding trim, wiring, or the column itself. Once clear, place the column on a clean protected work surface.
   ⚠Protect the column shaft from impacts or contact with hard surfaces. The shaft can be bent or damaged, compromising steering safety.
10. 10

    Install replacement or serviced steering column
    If installing a new or rebuilt column, transfer any reusable components from the old column (switches, ignition cylinder, clockspring if compatible). Verify the new column is in the centered position and locked if it has a shipping lock. Carefully feed the column assembly up into position under the instrument panel, routing all wiring harnesses through appropriate openings. Align the column mounting bracket with the four mounting holes in the instrument panel support structure. Start all four mounting bolts by hand before tightening any of them.
    ⚠Ensure the column is fully seated against the mounting surface before tightening bolts. Misalignment can cause binding in the tilt/telescope mechanism.
11. 11

    Torque column mounting bolts and connect intermediate shaft
    Tighten the four steering column mounting bolts to specified torque in a cross pattern (alternate between upper and lower bolts). Verify service manual for exact sequence. Align the column shaft with the intermediate shaft U-joint using the alignment marks made during disassembly. Slide the intermediate shaft onto the column shaft ensuring proper engagement of the splines. Install a NEW pinch bolt and tighten to specified torque. Verify the shaft coupling can rotate smoothly without binding.
    ⚠️CRITICAL: The intermediate shaft coupling MUST be aligned using the marks made during removal. Verify that the shaft splines are fully engaged before installing pinch bolt. Incomplete engagement can cause shaft separation and total loss of steering control.
    Torque spec

    Steering Column Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)

    Pinch Bolt30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install ignition components and switches
    Install the ignition switch onto the column housing using the two mounting bolts. Tighten to specified torque. Ensure the switch actuator properly engages the column lock mechanism. Insert the ignition lock cylinder into the housing with the key in the RUN position, pressing until the retaining pin clicks into place. Test that the cylinder rotates smoothly through all positions. Install the multifunction switch assembly onto the column, aligning it properly and securing with Torx screws.
    Torque spec

    Ignition Switch Bolts5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect all electrical connections and cables
    Reconnect all electrical connectors to the steering column in reverse order of removal, referencing your labels: ignition switch connector, multifunction switch connectors, and any other column-mounted wiring. Reconnect the shift interlock cable to the column mechanism, ensuring it clicks securely into place and cable is properly routed. Connect the clockspring electrical connector, ensuring the locking tab fully engages. Verify all connectors are fully seated and locked.
    ⚠Verify the clockspring is still centered before connecting. The rotor should be in the center position with wheels straight ahead. Do not force connectors.
14. 14

    Install column covers and steering wheel
    Position the lower and upper column shroud covers over the column, aligning all tabs and mounting points. Install and tighten the cover screws to specified torque. Feed the clockspring pigtail through the steering wheel hub opening. Align the steering wheel with the column shaft using the alignment marks made during removal. Install the wheel onto the shaft ensuring it is fully seated. Install the steering wheel retaining nut and tighten to manufacturer specification. Connect the airbag module and horn electrical connectors. Position the airbag module against the steering wheel and install the two T30 Torx bolts, tightening securely. Install the airbag module covers.
    ⚠️Verify steering wheel alignment marks match exactly. Incorrect steering wheel position will misalign the clockspring, causing airbag system malfunction and potential clockspring failure.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Install knee bolster and restore power
    Reinstall the lower driver's side knee bolster panel and all retaining screws. Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Turn the ignition to ON position (do not start engine) and verify all instrument cluster warning lights illuminate normally then extinguish. Check for any airbag warning lights. If airbag light remains on, there may be a connection issue or the clockspring may need to be recentered.
    ⚠If the airbag warning light remains illuminated after reconnecting battery, do not drive the vehicle. There is a fault in the airbag system that must be diagnosed and corrected.

Reassembly

1. All fasteners with CRITICAL designation must be torqued to exact specifications using a calibrated torque wrench
2. Verify intermediate shaft pinch bolt is properly torqued and shaft coupling is secure with no play
3. Ensure steering wheel is aligned to original position and clockspring is centered
4. Confirm all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked, especially airbag and clockspring connectors
5. Do not use old pinch bolt - always install new fastener for this safety-critical connection

Verification

• With engine off, turn steering wheel lock-to-lock and verify smooth operation with no binding, clicking, or unusual noises
• Verify steering wheel returns to center position when released
• Turn ignition to ON and verify no airbag warning light remains illuminated
• Test all steering column functions: tilt, telescope, turn signals, wipers, horn, ignition positions
• Verify shift interlock functions properly (cannot shift out of Park without brake pedal depressed)
• Start engine and verify power steering functions normally with no unusual noises or binding
• Road test vehicle at low speed in safe area and verify steering response is normal with no looseness, binding, or vibration
• If ANY abnormality is detected during verification, stop immediately and re-inspect all connections and fasteners before further driving

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