Steering Shaft - Upper

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the upper steering shaft on a 2014 Ram 2500 with 6.7L Cummins Diesel engine, including disconnection from the steering column and intermediate shaft coupling.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Upper steering shaft assembly × 1 — Mopar 68088666AB or equivalent
• Steering shaft coupling bolt × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Intermediate shaft coupling bolt (if reusing is not recommended) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Ensure front wheels are in straight-ahead position
3. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait minimum 2 minutes for airbag system to discharge
4. Remove driver's side knee bolster panel and lower steering column covers to access upper shaft connection
5. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands if improved access to intermediate shaft is needed
6. Lock steering wheel in place with the wheel centered using a steering wheel lock or tape to prevent rotation

Procedure

1. 1

   Access upper steering shaft
   From inside the cabin, remove the driver's side lower dash panel and knee bolster. Remove upper and lower steering column cover screws and separate covers to expose the upper steering shaft and column connections. Note the position of any electrical connectors for steering wheel controls or ignition lock.
2. 2

   Mark shaft alignment
   Using a center punch or paint marker, make alignment marks on the upper steering shaft and the steering column coupler, and on the lower end of the upper shaft where it connects to the intermediate shaft. These marks are critical for proper reassembly and preventing steering misalignment.
   ⚠Failure to mark shaft positions accurately will result in steering wheel misalignment and potential binding.
3. 3

   Remove upper shaft column connection
   Locate the pinch bolt securing the upper steering shaft to the steering column shaft. Apply penetrating lubricant if needed. Remove the pinch bolt completely using appropriate socket. The upper shaft should now be free from the column shaft but remains connected to the intermediate shaft below.
4. 4

   Access intermediate shaft coupling
   Move to the underside of the vehicle. Locate the coupling where the upper steering shaft connects to the intermediate shaft at the firewall area. Clean any dirt or debris from the coupling area. You may need to remove any heat shields or protective covers that obstruct access.
   ⚠On diesel models, exhaust components may be hot if vehicle was recently running. Allow adequate cooling time.
5. 5

   Disconnect lower coupling
   Remove the pinch bolt securing the upper steering shaft to the intermediate shaft coupling. Note the bolt orientation for reinstallation. The upper steering shaft is now free from both connections and can be carefully withdrawn upward through the column opening.
   ℹ️The shaft may require slight rotation or manipulation to clear the firewall opening and column housing.
6. 6

   Remove upper steering shaft
   From inside the cabin, carefully slide the upper steering shaft out of the column housing, pulling upward and toward the driver's seat. Inspect the shaft for wear, damage, or binding. Check that the new shaft includes all necessary hardware and matches the removed component exactly.
7. 7

   Install new upper steering shaft
   Position the new upper steering shaft from inside the cabin, carefully guiding it through the column opening and down toward the intermediate shaft coupling. Align the shaft using your previously made alignment marks. Ensure the shaft slides freely without binding.
   ⚠Do not force the shaft into position. If binding occurs, check for proper alignment and clearance of all components.
8. 8

   Connect intermediate shaft coupling
   From underneath the vehicle, align the upper steering shaft with the intermediate shaft coupling using your alignment marks. Install the coupling pinch bolt with the bolt head oriented as noted during removal. Torque the bolt to manufacturer specification (typically 37-45 Nm, though specific torque for this fastener is not provided in database).
9. 9

   Connect column shaft coupling
   From inside the cabin, align the upper steering shaft with the steering column shaft using your alignment marks. Ensure the shaft is fully seated in the coupling. Install the pinch bolt and torque to manufacturer specification (typically 37-45 Nm, though specific torque for this fastener is not provided in database).
10. 10

    Verify shaft operation
    Before reinstalling covers, remove the steering wheel lock and gently rotate the steering wheel from lock to lock to verify smooth operation without binding, clicking, or resistance. The shaft should rotate freely through its full range without any unusual noises or tight spots.
    ⚠Battery is still disconnected at this point. Do not reconnect until all components are reassembled and verified.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall steering column covers and secure with all cover screws
2. Reinstall knee bolster panel and lower dash trim components
3. If vehicle was raised, lower from jack stands and remove wheel chocks
4. Reconnect negative battery cable
5. Start vehicle and verify proper steering operation and that all steering wheel controls function correctly
6. Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area to confirm steering response and alignment

Verification

• Steering wheel should be centered when wheels are straight ahead
• No clicking, popping, or binding sensation when turning steering wheel at idle or while driving
• No excessive play or looseness in steering wheel
• All steering wheel controls (cruise, audio, etc.) function properly
• Airbag warning light is not illuminated after reconnecting battery
• Steering returns to center smoothly after turns
• Visual inspection shows all coupling bolts are properly torqued and secured

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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