This procedure covers the complete removal and replacement of the steering column assembly on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with 2.5L I4 engine, including disconnecting the steering shaft coupling, removing column-mounted components, and reinstalling with proper alignment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Steering column assembly (if replacing) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering shaft coupling bolt × 1 — 90119-10973 or equivalent
• Steering column mounting bolts (if worn) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake. Ensure front wheels are pointed straight ahead.
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait minimum 90 seconds for airbag system capacitor discharge.
3. Remove driver's side knee airbag panel (if equipped) by removing mounting screws and disconnecting electrical connector.
4. Remove lower steering column covers by removing screws and releasing clip tabs.
5. Remove upper steering column covers in same manner, accessing all mounting fasteners.
6. Photograph or document all electrical connector positions and routing for reassembly reference.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove steering wheel
   Remove the two side covers on steering wheel to access airbag module bolts. Remove airbag module bolts (typically Torx T30) and carefully disconnect airbag connector using proper release technique. Set airbag module face-up in safe location away from work area. Mark steering wheel position relative to steering shaft with paint marker or center punch. Remove steering wheel nut (19mm, approximately 37 Nm) and use steering wheel puller to remove wheel from shaft. Do not strike shaft with hammer.
   ⚠️Place removed airbag module face-up on padded surface away from work area. Never place face-down. Store where it cannot be knocked off surface.
2. 2

   Disconnect column electrical connectors
   Locate and disconnect all electrical connectors from steering column assembly: combination switch connector (turn signal/wiper controls), ignition switch connector, steering angle sensor connector, and EPS motor connector. Release any wire harness clips securing wiring to column. Use inspection mirror to verify all connectors are released. Label connectors if necessary for reassembly identification.
   ⚠EPS motor connector has a secondary lock that must be released before unplugging. Forcing connector can damage terminals.
3. 3

   Mark and disconnect steering shaft coupling
   Working in footwell area, locate steering shaft coupling where column shaft connects to intermediate shaft below dashboard. Use center punch or paint marker to mark precise alignment of both shafts and coupling (make marks on shaft, coupling, and mating shaft for three-way alignment reference). Remove coupling bolt while holding bolt head with wrench to prevent spinning. Carefully separate coupling from column shaft by sliding down intermediate shaft. Do not allow intermediate shaft to rotate from straight-ahead position.
   ⚠Maintaining straight-ahead alignment throughout procedure is critical. If intermediate shaft rotates, steering wheel will be off-center after reassembly.
   Torque spec

   Coupling Bolt34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove steering lock cylinder (if replacing column)
   If replacing entire column assembly, turn ignition to ACC position. Insert small pin or paperclip into lock cylinder release hole (located on side of column housing near cylinder) while pulling out lock cylinder. If column is being serviced without replacement, lock cylinder can remain installed.
   ℹ️This step only required if replacing entire column assembly. Skip if servicing existing column.
5. 5

   Remove combination switch assembly (if necessary)
   If replacing column or combination switch, remove screws securing switch assembly to column (typically 2-3 Phillips head screws). Carefully slide switch assembly off column shaft, noting position of any alignment tabs or keys. Handle switch carefully to avoid damage to internal components.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove steering column mounting fasteners
   Locate four steering column mounting bolts securing column bracket to instrument panel support structure. These typically include two upper bolts and two lower bolts accessible from different angles. Remove all four mounting bolts while supporting column weight. Note position of any shims, spacers, or alignment features at mounting points.
   ⚠Column assembly weighs approximately 15-20 lbs. Support column during bolt removal to prevent dropping and damaging EPS components or collapsible shaft.
   Torque spec

   Steering Column Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove steering column assembly
   Carefully guide steering column assembly out of instrument panel area, tilting and maneuvering as necessary to clear dashboard structure. Be careful not to impact or strike column shaft against any surfaces. Inspect column shaft splines and coupling area for damage, wear, or contamination. Clean splines with wire brush if reinstalling same column.
   ⚠️If column has been subjected to impact or shows any signs of shaft deformation, it must be replaced. Collapsible steering column cannot be reused after deformation.
8. 8

   Prepare replacement column (if applicable)
   If installing new column assembly, transfer any reusable components from old column: lock cylinder, combination switch (if not included with new column), and any brackets or hardware specific to vehicle trim level. Verify new column includes EPS motor and steering angle sensor, or transfer from old column per manufacturer instructions. Apply light grease to shaft splines.
   ℹ️Some replacement columns come as complete assemblies with all components installed. Verify what is included before transferring components.
9. 9

   Install steering column assembly
   Guide column assembly into position in instrument panel, ensuring shaft passes through instrument panel opening without contacting edges. Align column mounting bracket with mounting holes in instrument panel support. Install all four mounting bolts finger-tight initially. Verify column bracket sits flush against mounting surface with no gaps. Once alignment is confirmed, torque mounting bolts to specification in cross-pattern sequence (upper left, lower right, upper right, lower left).
   ⚠Ensure no wiring harnesses are pinched between column bracket and mounting surface before tightening bolts.
   Torque spec

   Steering Column Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Connect steering shaft coupling
    Verify intermediate shaft and column shaft are both still in straight-ahead position by checking alignment marks on vehicle structure. Slide coupling onto column shaft, aligning marks made during disassembly. Ensure coupling is fully seated on both shaft splines. Install new coupling bolt and torque to specification. Verify coupling cannot slip on either shaft after torquing.
    ⚠️Coupling bolt is critical safety fastener. Must use new bolt and torque exactly to specification. Never reuse coupling bolt.
    Torque spec

    Coupling Bolt34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect electrical connectors
    Reconnect all electrical connectors to steering column in reverse order of removal: EPS motor connector (ensure secondary lock engages), steering angle sensor connector, ignition switch connector, and combination switch connector. Verify each connector clicks fully into place and locks securely. Route wiring harness through clips and guides, ensuring no wires are pinched or under tension.
    ⚠Steering angle sensor connector must be fully seated. Incomplete connection will cause EPS warning light and potential steering assist issues.
12. 12

    Install combination switch and lock cylinder
    If removed, reinstall combination switch assembly onto column shaft, aligning any keys or tabs. Install and torque switch mounting screws to specification. If lock cylinder was removed, insert cylinder into column housing with key in ACC position until it clicks into locked position. Verify cylinder operates smoothly through all positions (LOCK, ACC, ON, START).
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install steering wheel
    Verify column shaft is still in straight-ahead position. Install steering wheel onto shaft, aligning marks made during removal and ensuring wheel splines engage fully. Install steering wheel nut and torque to approximately 37 Nm (verify with service manual if different). Connect airbag module connector ensuring it locks securely. Position airbag module onto steering wheel, align mounting holes, and install airbag bolts. Torque airbag bolts per service manual specification. Install steering wheel side covers.
    ⚠️Verify airbag connector is fully engaged before installing module. Incomplete connection can prevent deployment in crash.
14. 14

    Install column covers and trim
    Install upper and lower steering column covers, ensuring all clip tabs engage properly and covers fit flush. Install cover mounting screws and torque to specification. Install knee airbag panel (if equipped), connecting electrical connector and securing mounting screws. Verify all trim panels are secure and properly aligned.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reconnect battery and initialize systems
    Reconnect negative battery terminal. Turn ignition to ON position without starting engine. Verify all warning lights illuminate briefly then extinguish (EPS light, airbag light, ABS light). If steering angle sensor warning light remains illuminated, perform steering angle sensor calibration procedure: turn steering wheel fully left, then fully right, then return to center with engine running. Some vehicles may require scan tool calibration - consult service manual if warning persists.
    ⚠If EPS warning light remains illuminated after calibration attempt, professional scan tool diagnosis is required. Do not operate vehicle with EPS warning light on.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is covered in the main procedure steps as this is a replacement/installation job.
2. All fasteners must be torqued to specification in the sequence indicated.
3. All alignment marks must be matched to ensure proper steering wheel centering.

Verification

• With engine running, verify steering wheel is centered when wheels are pointed straight ahead. If off-center, coupling alignment is incorrect and must be corrected.
• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock with engine running. Verify smooth operation with no binding, unusual noises, or resistance. Power steering assist should be consistent throughout range.
• Verify all warning lights are extinguished: EPS light, airbag light, ABS light (if applicable).
• Test all steering column-mounted controls: turn signals, wipers, high beams, cruise control. All functions must operate normally.
• Test ignition switch operation through all positions: LOCK, ACC, ON, START. Key should turn smoothly and starter should engage normally.
• Perform test drive on safe road at various speeds. Verify steering response is normal, wheel returns to center after turns, and no vibration or unusual feedback is present.
• After test drive, re-verify all mounting bolts are secure and no warning lights have illuminated.
• If any warning lights are present or steering feel is abnormal, professional diagnosis with scan tool is required before returning vehicle to service.

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