Steering Shaft - Upper

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the upper steering shaft on a 2007 Ram 3500 with 5.9L Cummins diesel engine and 4WD.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Upper steering shaft assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering shaft coupling bolt × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels securely
3. Turn ignition to ON position without starting engine, then center the steering wheel exactly straight ahead
4. Turn ignition OFF and remove key
5. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 2 minutes for airbag system to discharge
6. Adjust driver's seat to full rearward position for access

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark steering shaft alignment
   Using paint marker or masking tape, mark the alignment relationship between the upper steering shaft and the lower intermediate shaft at the coupling. This ensures proper reassembly and maintains steering wheel centering. Mark both the shaft and coupling clearly.
2. 2

   Access lower coupling from inside cab
   Access the upper-to-intermediate steering shaft coupling; on this platform the coupling may be accessed from inside the cab (remove lower dashboard trim below the steering column) and/or from the engine bay near the firewall—verify the correct access point against OEM documentation before proceeding. Remove any sound deadening material or insulation that blocks access to the coupling bolt.
3. 3

   Remove lower coupling bolt
   Locate the pinch bolt at the lower end of the upper steering shaft where it connects to the intermediate shaft. Use the correct socket (commonly 13mm; verify against OEM specification) to remove the pinch bolt completely. You may need to apply penetrating oil if the bolt is corroded. Once removed, mark the bolt for replacement or reuse inspection.
4. 4

   Separate lower coupling
   Carefully spread the coupling clamp slightly using a flat head screwdriver in the gap. Do not pry excessively. The upper shaft should slide out of the intermediate shaft coupling. If stuck, tap gently with a plastic mallet while pulling the upper shaft upward.
5. 5

   Access upper mounting area
   From under the hood, locate the upper steering shaft where it enters the firewall. On 4WD models, you may need to move wiring harnesses or brake lines aside for access. Do not disconnect brake lines.
6. 6

   Remove upper mounting fasteners
   Remove the bolts securing the upper steering shaft bracket to the firewall or dash panel. Refer to OEM service documentation for the exact number and size of mounting fasteners. Support the steering shaft to prevent it from falling.
7. 7

   Remove upper steering shaft
   Carefully pull the upper steering shaft assembly out through the firewall from inside the cab. Guide it downward and out, being careful not to damage the rubber boot or surrounding wiring. Inspect the removed shaft for worn U-joints, excessive play, or damaged splines.
8. 8

   Prepare new upper steering shaft
   Unpack the new upper steering shaft and verify it matches the original design and length. Apply white lithium grease to the splines on the lower end of the new shaft where it will engage the intermediate shaft coupling.
9. 9

   Install new upper steering shaft
   Guide the new upper steering shaft through the firewall opening from inside the cab, routing it through the same path as the original. Ensure the rubber boot seats properly in the firewall opening to prevent water and debris intrusion.
10. 10

    Secure upper mounting bracket
    Align the upper steering shaft mounting bracket to the firewall or dash panel. Install and hand-tighten all mounting bolts, then torque in a cross pattern. Since no torque specification is provided in the database, follow the OEM service manual torque specification for the steering column/shaft mounting fasteners; do not rely on an estimated value for this safety-critical connection.
11. 11

    Connect lower coupling
    Align the splines on the lower end of the upper steering shaft with the intermediate shaft coupling, ensuring your alignment marks match. Push the upper shaft fully into the coupling until it seats completely. The coupling clamp gap should close evenly.
12. 12

    Install coupling pinch bolt
    Insert the new or inspected pinch bolt through the coupling clamp. Ensure the bolt passes through both the clamp and the flat or groove on the steering shaft spline. Torque the pinch bolt to the OEM-specified value for the steering shaft coupling on this vehicle (commonly around 21-36 ft-lbs; verify against OEM documentation). This connection is critical for safe steering operation. This connection is critical for safe steering operation.
13. 13

    Reinstall interior trim
    Replace any sound deadening material and reinstall the lower dashboard trim panel below the steering column. Ensure all clips and fasteners are properly secured.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the negative battery cable
2. Verify steering wheel is still centered straight ahead
3. Check that all dashboard trim panels are secure and properly clipped
4. Ensure no tools or parts were left in the work area

Verification

• Start the engine and verify power steering operation is normal with no unusual noises
• Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock slowly while stationary and listen for any clunks, binding, or unusual sounds
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify steering response is immediate with no play or looseness
• Verify the steering wheel remains centered when driving straight
• Check that horn and cruise control functions work properly (confirms clockspring was not damaged)
• Re-inspect the pinch bolt connection after test drive to ensure it remains tight

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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