This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the intermediate steering shaft on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine, which connects the steering column to the steering rack.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Intermediate steering shaft assembly × 1 — 45260-06110 (OEM reference)

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake firmly
2. Ensure front wheels are pointed straight ahead
3. Turn ignition off and remove key from vehicle completely
4. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait at least 90 seconds for airbag system capacitors to discharge
5. Lock the steering wheel in the centered position using a steering wheel holder or by reinstalling the key and turning to the lock position
6. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands under the front subframe
7. Remove driver side front wheel for improved access if needed

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark steering shaft alignment
   Using a white paint marker, create alignment marks across both the upper and lower coupling joints where the intermediate shaft connects to the steering column shaft and steering rack pinion shaft. Make clear, distinct marks that span both sides of each coupling for precise reassembly alignment. Take photos for reference.
2. 2

   Access intermediate shaft from under vehicle
   Position yourself under the vehicle with adequate lighting. Locate the intermediate steering shaft which runs from the firewall area down to the steering rack. The shaft will have two universal joint couplings with pinch bolts.
3. 3

   Remove lower coupling bolt
   Locate the lower coupling pinch bolt that connects the intermediate shaft to the steering rack input shaft. Apply penetrating oil if fastener shows corrosion. Use a 14mm socket to remove the pinch bolt completely. Note the bolt orientation for reinstallation.
   ⚠Do not allow the intermediate shaft to rotate or shift position once disconnected. Support the shaft to prevent it from hanging on the upper connection.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove upper coupling bolt
   Access the upper coupling pinch bolt that connects the intermediate shaft to the steering column shaft inside the driver footwell area. You may need to remove the lower dash panel or knee bolster for access. Remove the upper pinch bolt using a 14mm socket.
   ⚠Support the intermediate shaft to prevent it from falling when the upper connection is released.
   Torque spec

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

   Separate and remove intermediate shaft
   Carefully spread the coupling clamps slightly if needed using a flat blade screwdriver to release the splined connections. Support the intermediate shaft and carefully maneuver it downward and out from under the vehicle. Avoid hitting or dropping the shaft.
6. 6

   Inspect components
   Inspect the steering column shaft and steering rack input shaft splines for wear, damage, or corrosion. Clean the splines with a wire brush if necessary. Inspect the old intermediate shaft for torn boots, excessive play in universal joints, or physical damage. Verify the replacement shaft matches the original.
7. 7

   Install new intermediate shaft
   Position the new intermediate shaft from underneath the vehicle, aligning it with both the steering column shaft and steering rack input shaft. Ensure the shaft is oriented correctly with the collapsible section toward the steering column. Slide the upper coupling onto the steering column splines first, aligning with your reference marks.
   ⚠Verify the steering wheel has not moved from the centered position. If it has moved, the clockspring may be damaged and require replacement.
8. 8

   Align and connect lower coupling
   Align the lower coupling with the steering rack input shaft splines, matching your alignment marks. Ensure the coupling fully seats onto the splines with the pinch bolt slot positioned correctly.
9. 9

   Install and torque lower coupling bolt
   Insert the lower coupling pinch bolt through the coupling clamp, ensuring it passes through the groove in the steering rack input shaft. Thread the bolt and torque to specification using a calibrated torque wrench. Verify the coupling cannot slide on the shaft after tightening.
   Torque spec

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

    Install and torque upper coupling bolt
    Move to the driver footwell area. Verify the upper coupling alignment marks match correctly. Insert the upper coupling pinch bolt through the coupling clamp, ensuring it passes through the groove in the steering column shaft. Thread the bolt and torque to specification. Verify the coupling cannot slide on the shaft.
    Torque spec

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

    Verify installation and alignment
    Check that both couplings are properly seated with pinch bolts fully torqued. Verify all alignment marks match the original positions. Ensure there is no binding or interference with surrounding components. Confirm the intermediate shaft moves smoothly through its range of motion without any contact.
12. 12

    Reinstall access panels and wheel
    Reinstall any dash panels or covers removed for access. If the driver side front wheel was removed, reinstall it and torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect battery and lower vehicle
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Remove jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle to the ground. Remove the steering wheel locking device.

Reassembly

1. Ensure both coupling pinch bolts are torqued to exactly 34 Nm (25 lb-ft) as this is critical for safe steering operation
2. Verify alignment marks match on both upper and lower couplings before final tightening
3. Confirm no binding or unusual resistance when rotating steering wheel through full range
4. Reinstall any trim panels or covers removed during the procedure

Verification

• Start the engine and verify the electric power steering system initializes without warning lights
• Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary and verify smooth operation with no binding, clicking, or unusual noises
• Perform a short test drive at low speed in a safe area, checking for proper steering response and centering
• Verify steering returns to center position naturally when released
• Check for any clunking or knocking sounds when turning the wheel, especially over bumps
• Confirm no steering play or looseness at the wheel
• Verify the airbag light does not illuminate, indicating the clockspring was not damaged during the procedure

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