This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the steering rack center link (intermediate shaft) on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine and electric power steering.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Steering intermediate shaft (center link/drag link) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pins (2mm) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Anti-seize compound × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Center the steering wheel and lock it in position using a steering wheel holder or seatbelt through the wheel
4. Disconnect the negative battery terminal and wait 90 seconds (to deactivate airbag system)
5. Remove the driver's side floor panel trim and lower steering column cover screws
6. Mark the relationship between the intermediate shaft and both the steering column and rack pinion with paint or marker

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove lower steering column cover
   Remove the screws securing the lower steering column cover using the appropriate socket. Pull the cover down and away to access the upper coupling bolt. Set the cover aside.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove upper coupling bolt
   Locate the upper coupling bolt connecting the intermediate shaft to the steering column. Remove the bolt completely using a socket wrench. Note the alignment marks you made during preparation.
   ⚠Support the intermediate shaft to prevent it from dropping when the bolt is removed.
   Torque spec

   Coupling Bolt34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Access lower coupling from underneath
   Raise the front of the vehicle using a floor jack and support it securely on jack stands. Remove the engine under cover or splash shield if equipped to access the lower coupling bolt at the steering rack.
4. 4

   Remove lower coupling bolt
   Locate the lower coupling bolt at the steering rack pinion input shaft. Verify your alignment marks are visible. Remove the lower coupling bolt completely using a socket wrench while supporting the intermediate shaft.
   ⚠️Do not allow the intermediate shaft to hang unsupported as this may damage the upper universal joint.
   Torque spec

   Coupling Bolt34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Separate and remove intermediate shaft
   Carefully slide the intermediate shaft upward to separate it from the rack pinion shaft. Then slide it downward to separate from the steering column shaft. Remove the intermediate shaft from the vehicle through the lower opening. Inspect both splined connections for wear or damage.
6. 6

   Prepare new intermediate shaft
   Inspect the new intermediate shaft to ensure it matches the original. Apply a light coat of anti-seize compound to the splined ends of the new shaft. Verify the universal joints move freely without binding.
7. 7

   Install new intermediate shaft
   Position the new intermediate shaft into the vehicle from below. First align and insert the upper splined end into the steering column shaft, ensuring the alignment marks match. Then slide the lower end onto the rack pinion shaft, aligning the marks. Verify both connections are fully seated.
   ⚠Ensure alignment marks match exactly to maintain proper steering wheel position.
8. 8

   Install lower coupling bolt
   Insert the lower coupling bolt through the coupling and into the clamp. Tighten the bolt to the specified torque value using a torque wrench. Verify the shaft is fully seated and the alignment marks remain aligned.
   Torque spec

   Coupling Bolt34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install upper coupling bolt
   From inside the vehicle, insert the upper coupling bolt through the coupling. Tighten the bolt to the specified torque value using a torque wrench. Double-check that alignment marks remain properly indexed.
   Torque spec

   Coupling Bolt34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall covers and reconnect battery
    Reinstall the lower steering column cover and secure with screws to specified torque. Reinstall the engine under cover if removed. Lower the vehicle from jack stands. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all coupling bolts are torqued to specification and alignment marks are properly indexed
2. Verify steering wheel remains centered and locked during entire procedure
3. Confirm all trim panels and covers are securely reinstalled

Verification

• Remove steering wheel lock and verify the steering wheel is still centered
• Start the engine and turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock to verify smooth operation with no binding or clicking
• Check that the steering wheel returns to center properly after turning
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area to confirm proper steering response and no unusual noises
• Verify steering wheel remains centered when driving straight

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