This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the intermediate steering shaft on a 2014 Ram 2500 4WD with 6.7L Cummins diesel engine, including disconnection from the steering column and steering gear.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Intermediate steering shaft × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering shaft coupler bolt kit × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering column bolt kit × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
4. Center the steering wheel and install a steering wheel locking device to prevent rotation
5. Disconnect negative battery cable to disable airbag system
6. Wait at least 2 minutes after battery disconnect before proceeding (airbag system capacitor discharge)
7. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands at frame rails
8. Mark alignment of steering wheel position and intermediate shaft connections with white paint marker for reinstallation reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the steering shaft from below
   Position yourself under the vehicle with adequate lighting. Locate the intermediate steering shaft that connects the steering column to the steering gear. It is positioned along the firewall on the driver side, running from inside the cab down to the steering gear input shaft.
2. 2

   Mark shaft alignment positions
   Using the white paint marker, make clear alignment marks across both the upper coupler (steering column to intermediate shaft connection) and lower coupler (intermediate shaft to steering gear connection). Mark the relationship of the shaft to both the column and gear input shafts. These marks are critical for maintaining proper steering alignment during reassembly.
3. 3

   Disconnect lower steering shaft coupler
   Locate the lower pinch bolt that secures the intermediate shaft to the steering gear input shaft. Remove the pinch bolt completely. You may need to apply penetrating oil if corrosion is present. Carefully separate the coupler from the steering gear input shaft using a pry bar if necessary. Support the intermediate shaft to prevent it from dropping.
4. 4

   Access upper steering column connection
   Move to the interior of the vehicle. Remove the lower dash panel or knee bolster to access the upper steering column area. You may need to remove plastic trim panels below the steering column. Locate the upper coupler connection where the intermediate shaft connects to the steering column.
5. 5

   Disconnect upper steering shaft coupler
   Remove the upper pinch bolt that secures the intermediate shaft to the steering column shaft. Verify your alignment marks are still visible. Carefully slide the upper coupler off the steering column shaft. The intermediate shaft should now be free from both connections.
   ⚠Do not allow the steering column to rotate or extend during shaft removal. Keep the steering wheel locked in position.
6. 6

   Remove intermediate steering shaft
   Carefully maneuver the intermediate steering shaft assembly out from under the dash and through the firewall access area. You may need to rotate or angle the shaft to clear obstacles. Inspect the removed shaft for wear, damaged boots, binding universal joints, or excessive play. Replace if any defects are found.
7. 7

   Prepare new intermediate shaft
   Unpack the new intermediate steering shaft. Verify it matches the removed component exactly. Check that all universal joints move smoothly without binding. Ensure dust boots are intact and properly seated. Collapse or extend the shaft to the same approximate length as the removed unit for easier installation.
8. 8

   Install new intermediate shaft - upper connection
   From inside the vehicle, guide the new intermediate shaft through the firewall area and position the upper coupler over the steering column shaft. Align the shaft according to your previously made alignment marks. Ensure the coupler is fully seated on the steering column shaft with the pinch bolt access aligned.
   ⚠Verify the steering wheel has not rotated from center position before connecting the shaft.
9. 9

   Secure upper coupler connection
   Install the new upper pinch bolt through the coupler. Ensure the bolt passes through the coupler and engages the groove or flat spot on the steering column shaft. Tighten the pinch bolt to the manufacturer's specification using a torque wrench. If no specific torque is provided in your service manual, tighten securely to approximately 40-45 Nm (30-33 lb-ft) and verify with OEM documentation.
10. 10

    Connect lower coupler to steering gear
    Move back under the vehicle. Position the lower coupler of the intermediate shaft over the steering gear input shaft. Align according to your paint marks to maintain proper steering geometry. Ensure the coupler is fully seated on the gear input shaft with the pinch bolt hole aligned with the shaft groove or flat.
11. 11

    Secure lower coupler connection
    Install the new lower pinch bolt through the coupler. Verify the bolt engages the groove or flat on the steering gear input shaft. Tighten the pinch bolt to the manufacturer's specification using a torque wrench. If no specific torque is provided in your service manual, tighten securely to approximately 40-45 Nm (30-33 lb-ft) and verify with OEM documentation.
12. 12

    Verify shaft installation
    Check that both upper and lower couplers are properly secured with no movement or play. Verify all pinch bolts are torqued correctly. Confirm that the intermediate shaft moves smoothly through its range of motion without binding. Check that dust boots are properly positioned and not torn or pinched.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall all interior trim panels and knee bolster components removed for access
2. Remove steering wheel locking device
3. Reconnect negative battery cable
4. Lower vehicle from jack stands carefully
5. Remove wheel chocks

Verification

• Start engine and verify power steering system operates normally without unusual noises
• With engine running, turn steering wheel slowly from lock to lock and verify smooth operation with no binding, clicking, or clunking sounds
• Verify steering wheel returns to center position properly
• Check steering wheel alignment - it should be centered when wheels are pointed straight ahead
• Test drive vehicle in a safe area at low speed, verifying responsive steering with no play or vibration
• After test drive, recheck all pinch bolt connections for tightness
• Verify no dashboard warning lights related to steering or airbag systems are illuminated

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