Steering Shaft - Upper

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the upper steering shaft on a 2024 Rivian EDV 500, including disconnection from the steering column and intermediate shaft.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Upper steering shaft assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering shaft coupling bolt(s) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering column trim panels — Inspect for damage during removal

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Ensure vehicle is powered off and key fob is at least 20 feet away
3. Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal and wait minimum 2 minutes for airbag system capacitor discharge
4. Turn front wheels to straight-ahead position
5. Adjust steering column to lowest and fully forward position for access
6. Photograph or mark steering wheel position relative to steering column

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove lower steering column trim panels
   Remove the lower dashboard trim panels surrounding the steering column. Typically secured with Torx screws and plastic clips. Carefully pry away panels starting from the bottom edges, working upward. Disconnect any electrical connectors for switches or indicators attached to the trim.
2. 2

   Mark steering shaft alignment
   Using a paint marker, make alignment marks across the upper steering shaft coupling and intermediate shaft coupling. These marks must be clearly visible and align when reassembling to maintain proper steering alignment. Mark both the shaft splines and the coupling itself in multiple locations for redundancy.
3. 3

   Disconnect electrical connectors
   Locate and disconnect any electrical connectors attached to the steering column assembly, including the steering angle sensor, column lock mechanism (if equipped), and any other wiring harnesses. Press release tabs fully before pulling connectors apart. Label connections if necessary for proper reassembly.
4. 4

   Remove intermediate shaft coupling bolt
   Locate the pinch bolt or coupling bolt securing the upper steering shaft to the intermediate shaft below the dashboard. This is typically a single bolt with a locking mechanism. Support the steering shaft while removing the bolt completely. Keep bolt and any washers or lock components together for reinstallation.
5. 5

   Remove upper shaft mounting fasteners
   Locate the mounting bolts or fasteners securing the upper steering shaft bracket to the firewall or dashboard support structure. These are typically metric bolts accessed from inside the cabin. Remove all mounting fasteners while supporting the steering shaft assembly to prevent it from falling.
6. 6

   Separate shaft from intermediate coupling
   With the coupling bolt removed, carefully separate the upper steering shaft from the intermediate shaft splines. You may need to gently tap or pry the coupling apart. Do not damage the splines or coupling surfaces. Note the depth of engagement for proper reassembly.
7. 7

   Remove upper steering shaft assembly
   Carefully maneuver the upper steering shaft assembly down and out from the steering column area. This may require tilting or rotating the shaft to clear surrounding components. Take care not to damage the instrument cluster, airbag wiring, or other nearby components during removal.
8. 8

   Inspect components
   Inspect the intermediate shaft splines, coupling, and mounting points for wear, damage, or corrosion. Check for any worn bushings or bearings in the steering column support. Replace any damaged components before installing the new upper shaft. Clean mounting surfaces and spline areas.
9. 9

   Prepare new upper steering shaft
   Unpack the new upper steering shaft assembly and verify it matches the removed part. Apply a light coat of white lithium grease to the splines on both the new upper shaft and the intermediate shaft coupling. Do not over-grease as excess can attract dirt.
10. 10

    Install upper steering shaft
    Carefully maneuver the new upper steering shaft into position, reversing the removal process. Align the shaft with the mounting bracket holes and intermediate shaft coupling. Ensure all wiring and components clear the shaft during installation.
11. 11

    Connect to intermediate shaft
    Align the splines of the upper steering shaft with the intermediate shaft, using your alignment marks as reference. Slide the coupling together ensuring full engagement. The alignment marks should line up exactly. Install the coupling pinch bolt finger-tight initially.
12. 12

    Install mounting fasteners
    Install all mounting bolts or fasteners securing the upper steering shaft bracket to the firewall or dashboard structure. Tighten fasteners in a cross pattern to ensure even loading. Since torque specifications are not provided in the database, tighten securely per manufacturer service information.
13. 13

    Torque coupling bolt
    Verify alignment marks are properly aligned, then torque the intermediate shaft coupling pinch bolt to manufacturer specification. Since specific torque values are not available in the database, consult the service manual or use typical steering coupling specifications for this vehicle class. Ensure the bolt is fully seated and secure.
14. 14

    Reconnect electrical connections
    Reconnect all electrical connectors to the steering column assembly, including steering angle sensor and column lock mechanism. Ensure all connectors click fully into place and locking tabs engage. Verify no wiring is pinched or under tension.
15. 15

    Reinstall trim panels
    Reinstall the lower steering column trim panels in reverse order of removal. Ensure all clips seat properly and Torx screws are tightened securely. Verify panels fit flush and do not interfere with steering column adjustment or operation.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal
2. Power on the vehicle and verify no warning lights related to steering or airbag system appear
3. The steering angle sensor may require calibration using Rivian diagnostic software after upper shaft replacement
4. Verify steering wheel is centered when wheels are pointed straight ahead

Verification

• Start the vehicle and verify the steering system initializes without error codes
• Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock slowly and verify smooth operation with no binding, clicking, or unusual noises
• Verify electric power steering assist functions properly at low speeds
• Check that steering wheel returns to center properly after turns
• Test drive the vehicle at low speeds in a safe area to confirm proper steering operation and centering
• If any steering-related warning lights appear, use Rivian diagnostic tools to check for codes and perform steering angle sensor calibration if required

More procedures for this vehicle