This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the intermediate steering shaft on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine, addressing issues such as clunking noises or binding during steering input.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Intermediate steering shaft assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Lower steering shaft pinch bolt × 1 — M10x1.25 replacement recommended

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Ensure steering wheel is centered and front wheels are pointed straight ahead
4. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
5. Allow engine to cool completely if recently driven

Procedure

1. 1

   Access driver's footwell area
   Remove the driver's side lower dashboard panel by removing the cover screws. Gently pull the panel away from the clips to access the upper steering shaft connection. You may need to adjust the steering column to its lowest position for better access.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Mark upper shaft alignment
   Using a white paint marker or grease pencil, mark the relationship between the intermediate steering shaft upper universal joint and the steering column shaft. Make alignment marks on both the shaft and the yoke to ensure proper reassembly position.
   ℹ️Accurate alignment marks are critical for maintaining proper steering wheel position after reassembly.
3. 3

   Raise and secure vehicle
   Raise the front of the vehicle using a floor jack and support it securely on jack stands placed on the frame rails. Lower the jack so the vehicle rests fully on the stands. Ensure the vehicle is stable before proceeding underneath.
   ⚠️Vehicle must be securely supported on jack stands rated for the vehicle weight. Do not work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
4. 4

   Access lower steering shaft connection
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the intermediate steering shaft connection to the steering rack input shaft. This is positioned above the steering rack on the driver's side. Clean the area around the pinch bolt if necessary and spray with penetrating oil if corrosion is present.
   ℹ️The connection point is located behind the engine splash shield. You may need to remove or partially move the shield for better access.
5. 5

   Mark lower shaft alignment
   Mark the relationship between the intermediate steering shaft lower universal joint and the steering rack input shaft using a paint marker. Make clear alignment marks on both components to ensure proper reassembly orientation.
   ⚠Do not skip this step. Improper alignment will result in off-center steering wheel position.
6. 6

   Lock steering wheel position
   Have an assistant hold the steering wheel firmly in the centered position, or use a steering wheel lock device to prevent rotation. The steering wheel must not move during shaft removal and installation to prevent clockspring damage.
   ⚠️If the steering wheel rotates more than 2-3 turns with the shaft disconnected, the airbag clockspring will be damaged and must be replaced.
7. 7

   Remove lower pinch bolt
   Using a 14mm socket, remove the lower pinch bolt that secures the intermediate shaft to the steering rack input shaft. Loosen the bolt completely and remove it from the clamp. Note that this bolt should be replaced and not reused.
   ⚠Lower pinch bolt is a torque-to-yield fastener and should be replaced with a new bolt during reassembly.
8. 8

   Remove upper pinch bolt
   From inside the vehicle, using a 14mm socket, remove the upper pinch bolt that connects the intermediate shaft to the steering column shaft. Loosen the bolt completely and remove it from the clamp.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Remove intermediate steering shaft
   Carefully slide the intermediate shaft down and away from the steering column shaft, then separate it from the steering rack input shaft. You may need to wiggle the shaft gently while pulling to disengage the splines. Remove the shaft from the vehicle.
   ⚠Support the shaft during removal to prevent it from falling and causing injury or damage.
10. 10

    Inspect components
    Inspect the steering column shaft and steering rack input shaft splines for wear, damage, or corrosion. Check that the steering wheel has not rotated from its centered position. Examine the new intermediate shaft to confirm it matches the original design and includes proper universal joints.
    ℹ️Some replacement shafts come pre-greased. Do not remove factory grease from new shaft universal joints.
11. 11

    Install new intermediate shaft
    Position the new intermediate shaft and align the lower universal joint with the steering rack input shaft, matching your alignment marks. Slide the shaft onto the splines, ensuring proper engagement. Then align the upper universal joint with the steering column shaft and slide it into position, again matching your alignment marks.
    ⚠Verify that both upper and lower alignment marks match before tightening any fasteners. Misalignment will result in an off-center steering wheel.
12. 12

    Install and torque lower pinch bolt
    Install the new lower pinch bolt through the clamp and onto the steering rack input shaft. Ensure the bolt passes through both sides of the clamp and the shaft notch is properly engaged. Torque the bolt to specification using a torque wrench.
    ⚠Use a new replacement bolt. Do not reuse the original lower pinch bolt.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install and torque upper pinch bolt
    From inside the vehicle, install the upper pinch bolt through the clamp and onto the steering column shaft. Ensure proper engagement with the shaft notch and that the clamp is properly positioned. Torque the bolt to specification using a torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Lower vehicle and reinstall panels
    Raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack, remove the jack stands, and carefully lower the vehicle to the ground. Reinstall the driver's side lower dashboard panel and secure with the cover screws, torquing to specification.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify steering wheel is still centered and locked during entire procedure
2. Ensure all alignment marks were matched during installation
3. Confirm both pinch bolts are torqued to proper specification
4. Reinstall any removed splash shields or access panels

Verification

• Start the engine and verify power steering operates normally without unusual noises
• With the engine running, turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock slowly and check for binding, clunking, or catching
• Verify the steering wheel is properly centered when the front wheels are pointed straight ahead
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area and confirm smooth steering operation without noise or vibration
• Verify no steering play or excessive free movement in the steering wheel
• Check that the airbag warning light is not illuminated, indicating the clockspring was not damaged

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