This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the steering shaft coupler connecting the steering column to the steering gear on a 2014 Ram 2500 with 6.7L Cummins diesel engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Steering shaft coupler assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering coupler bolt kit × 1 — OEM replacement bolts recommended

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels securely
3. Turn ignition to LOCK position and remove key
4. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 2 minutes for airbag system capacitor discharge
5. Set front wheels in straight-ahead position
6. Adjust driver's seat fully rearward for access to lower steering column

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove lower steering column cover
   Remove the fasteners securing the lower steering column cover panel beneath the dash. Remove the cover to expose the upper steering shaft and coupler connection at the base of the steering column.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Mark steering shaft alignment
   Before disconnecting anything, use white paint marker or correction fluid to make alignment marks across the steering shaft, coupler, and intermediate shaft. Make marks on both the upper connection at the column and the lower connection at the steering gear. These marks are critical for maintaining proper steering alignment.
   ⚠Failure to accurately mark alignment will result in off-center steering wheel and require wheel alignment after repair.
3. 3

   Access lower coupler connection
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the lower steering coupler connection at the steering gear input shaft. Clean the area around the coupler bolt and apply penetrating oil if corrosion is present. You may need to remove any heat shields or splash guards for better access.
   ℹ️The lower connection is located above the front axle and can be accessed from the driver's side wheel well area with wheels straight.
4. 4

   Remove lower coupler pinch bolt
   Using a center punch or chisel, tap to loosen the factory stake on the lower coupler pinch bolt. Remove the lower pinch bolt securing the coupler to the steering gear input shaft. Note the bolt orientation for installation.
   ⚠Do not allow steering shaft to rotate during removal. Have assistant hold steering wheel or use steering wheel holder if available.
5. 5

   Remove upper coupler pinch bolt
   From inside the vehicle at the base of the steering column, locate and remove the upper pinch bolt securing the coupler to the steering column shaft. Again, note the bolt orientation and ensure the factory stake is loosened before attempting removal.
   ⚠Support the coupler as you remove the upper bolt to prevent it from falling and damaging the steering gear boot or surrounding components.
6. 6

   Remove steering coupler
   With both pinch bolts removed, carefully slide the coupler off both the upper steering column shaft and lower steering gear input shaft. You may need to use a flat blade screwdriver to gently spread the clamping portions of the coupler. Remove the coupler from the vehicle. Inspect both shafts for damage, excessive wear, or corrosion.
   ℹ️If coupler is difficult to remove, apply additional penetrating oil and allow time to soak. Do not use excessive force that could damage shaft splines.
7. 7

   Prepare new coupler
   Inspect the new steering coupler and ensure all components match the original. Verify that replacement pinch bolts are included and are of correct length. Clean the splines on both the steering column shaft and steering gear input shaft with a wire brush and apply a light coating of anti-seize compound to the splines only (not to the smooth portions).
8. 8

   Install new coupler
   Position the new coupler assembly by first sliding it onto the steering gear input shaft, then onto the steering column shaft. Ensure the coupler is fully seated on both shafts and that your alignment marks from Step 2 are properly aligned. The coupler must be positioned so that both pinch bolt clamps are accessible and properly oriented.
   ⚠Verify alignment marks are perfectly matched before installing pinch bolts. This is your last opportunity to ensure proper steering wheel centering.
9. 9

   Install upper pinch bolt
   Install the new upper pinch bolt through the coupler clamp at the steering column shaft connection. Ensure the bolt passes through both the coupler clamp and engages the groove in the steering shaft. Tighten to specified torque. The bolt should be torqued but not staked at this point.
   ℹ️If torque specification differs from Mounting Bolts spec, use OEM service manual specification for steering coupler pinch bolts.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install lower pinch bolt
    Install the new lower pinch bolt through the coupler clamp at the steering gear input shaft connection. Ensure the bolt passes through both the coupler clamp and engages the groove in the input shaft. Tighten to specified torque.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Stake pinch bolts
    Using a center punch or chisel, carefully stake both the upper and lower pinch bolts by deforming the bolt threads slightly where they protrude through the nut. This prevents the bolts from loosening due to vibration. Apply one stake per bolt on the protruding thread.
    ⚠Apply only enough force to create a small deformation. Excessive staking can crack the bolt or coupler.
12. 12

    Reinstall steering column cover
    Reinstall the lower steering column cover panel and secure with the original fasteners. Ensure all trim pieces are properly seated and aligned.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws15 Nm (11 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reconnect negative battery cable
2. Return driver's seat to normal position
3. Reinstall any heat shields or splash guards removed for access

Verification

• Start engine and verify no abnormal noises from steering column or gear area
• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock slowly while parked and verify smooth operation with no binding or clicking
• Verify steering wheel is centered when front wheels are pointing straight ahead
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area and verify proper steering response and no vibrations
• Verify no airbag warning lights are illuminated on instrument cluster
• Inspect coupler connections for proper seating and torque after test drive
• If steering wheel is off-center after replacement, a front wheel alignment is required

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