Complete removal and replacement of the steering column assembly, including disconnection of electrical connectors, intermediate shaft, and column mounting points.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Steering column assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Intermediate shaft pinch bolt × 1 — 90119-10973 or equivalent
• Steering column mounting bolts × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface with front wheels pointing straight ahead
2. Set parking brake and place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key/fob from vehicle
4. Disconnect negative battery terminal and secure cable away from battery post
5. Wait minimum 90 seconds for airbag system capacitor discharge
6. Remove driver's side floor mat and lower dashboard trim panels to access column area
7. Take photos of all electrical connector positions before removal for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove steering wheel
   Remove the two T30 Torx screws from the sides of the steering wheel (behind wheel, accessible through small holes). Disconnect the airbag connector by pressing the locking tab and carefully remove the airbag module. Set airbag face-up in a safe location away from work area. Mark the steering wheel position relative to the shaft with paint pen. Disconnect horn and steering wheel control connectors. Use steering wheel puller to remove steering wheel from shaft. DO NOT hammer on shaft.
   ⚠️Always place removed airbag module face-up on a clean surface away from work area. Never place face-down as accidental deployment can cause the module to become a projectile.
2. 2

   Remove lower column covers and knee airbag
   Remove the lower steering column cover screws. There are typically 4 screws securing the lower cover. Carefully pull the lower cover down and away. Remove upper column cover by releasing clips and pulling upward. If equipped with knee airbag, disconnect the electrical connector and remove the knee airbag module mounting bolts (typically two 10mm bolts). Set knee airbag aside in safe location.
   ⚠Knee airbag (if equipped) must be handled carefully. Store face-up away from work area.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect column electrical connectors
   Locate and disconnect all electrical connectors on the steering column. This includes: clockspring connector (yellow), ignition switch connector, steering angle sensor connector, column lock actuator (if equipped), and any other harnesses attached to the column. Press locking tabs firmly and pull connectors straight out. Use needle nose pliers if needed to release difficult clips. Label connectors if helpful for reassembly.
   ⚠Yellow clockspring connector uses a positive lock. Ensure lock tab is fully depressed before pulling connector to avoid breaking connector housing.
4. 4

   Mark and disconnect intermediate shaft
   From underneath the dashboard, locate the intermediate shaft connection at the base of the steering column. Use white paint pen to mark the exact alignment between the intermediate shaft and the column shaft (make matching marks on both sides of the joint). This is critical for proper reassembly. Remove the intermediate shaft pinch bolt using a 12mm socket. It may be necessary to slightly loosen the bolt, then rotate the shaft to access it fully for removal.
   ⚠️Alignment marks are CRITICAL. Improper alignment during reassembly can cause steering binding, uncentered steering wheel, or clockspring damage.
   Torque spec

   Pinch Bolt30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Secure steering wheel position
   Before separating the intermediate shaft, use a bungee cord or strap to secure the steering wheel in the centered position. Attach it to the seat or another fixed point. This prevents the clockspring from rotating out of alignment when the shaft is disconnected. Carefully separate the intermediate shaft from the column shaft by pulling the shaft downward while supporting the column.
   ⚠️If the steering wheel rotates more than 2-3 turns after shaft separation, the clockspring will be damaged and must be replaced and re-centered before reassembly.
6. 6

   Remove ignition switch assembly
   If the ignition switch assembly needs to be transferred to the new column or is preventing column removal, remove the ignition switch mounting bolts (typically two small bolts). The ignition switch is located on the side of the column. Keep bolts organized for reinstallation. Leave switch attached to wiring harness if possible.
   Torque spec

   Ignition Switch Bolts5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove column mounting bolts and column
   Locate the steering column mounting bolts at the column support bracket (typically two bolts through slotted holes). These are accessed from underneath the dashboard. Support the steering column with one hand while removing the mounting bolts with a 12mm or 14mm socket. Once bolts are removed, carefully lower the column assembly down and out through the bottom of the dashboard area. Be careful not to strike or drop the column.
   ⚠️Column is heavier than it appears and awkward to maneuver. Have a helper support the column or use proper support to prevent dropping. Impact damage to column shaft can cause hidden fractures.
   Torque spec

   Steering Column Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Transfer components to new column
   If installing a new or remanufactured column, transfer any components that are not included with the replacement unit. This may include: clockspring (if separate), ignition switch assembly, steering angle sensor, column lock actuator, or wiring harnesses. Verify the clockspring is properly centered before installation: align marks and ensure equal number of ribbon turns in each direction from center. Install ignition switch using specified torque.
   ⚠️Clockspring MUST be centered correctly. Incorrect centering will cause ribbon cable breakage when steering wheel is turned to full lock, disabling airbag and steering wheel controls.
   Torque spec

   Ignition Switch Bolts5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install new steering column
   Carefully lift the new steering column assembly into position from below the dashboard. Align the column with the mounting bracket holes (slotted holes allow for adjustment). Install mounting bolts finger-tight initially. Ensure column is properly positioned and aligned with the intermediate shaft connection point before tightening. Torque mounting bolts to specification in the sequence specified in the service manual.
   ⚠Do not fully tighten mounting bolts until intermediate shaft is connected and alignment is verified. Column position may need minor adjustment.
   Torque spec

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

    Connect intermediate shaft
    Align the intermediate shaft with the column shaft, matching the paint marks made during disassembly exactly. Ensure the shaft is fully seated onto the column shaft splines. Install new pinch bolt and torque to specification. Verify the shaft connection is secure by attempting to pull the shafts apart (they should not separate). Double-check alignment marks are still matched.
    ⚠️Pinch bolt MUST use new bolt (do not reuse). Connection must be fully engaged on splines before torquing. Loose connection can cause steering separation during operation.
    Torque spec

    Pinch Bolt30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect electrical connectors
    Reconnect all electrical connectors to the steering column in reverse order of removal. Ensure each connector clicks into place and locking tabs are fully engaged. Verify clockspring connector (yellow) is fully seated and locked. Route all wiring harnesses to avoid pinch points or interference with moving parts. Reinstall ignition switch if removed separately.
    ⚠Ensure no wiring harnesses are pinched between column and mounting bracket or trapped in moving tilt/telescope mechanisms.
12. 12

    Install steering wheel
    Route clockspring connector through steering wheel center opening. Align steering wheel with shaft using the paint marks made during removal. Ensure wheel is centered and properly oriented. Press wheel onto shaft, ensuring it is fully seated. Install steering wheel mounting nut and torque to specification per service manual (torque spec not provided in database - consult factory service manual). Reconnect horn and steering control connectors. Install airbag module, ensuring connector is locked, then install and torque T30 Torx bolts.
    ⚠️Steering wheel nut torque is critical for safety. Consult factory service manual for exact specification. Typical range is 35-40 Nm but MUST be verified.
13. 13

    Reinstall column covers and trim
    Reinstall knee airbag module if equipped, ensuring proper connector engagement and torquing mounting bolts. Install upper and lower steering column covers, ensuring all clips engage properly. Install cover screws and torque to specification. Reinstall any lower dashboard trim panels removed during preparation. Verify tilt and telescope operation if equipped.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect battery and perform system checks
    Reconnect negative battery terminal and torque to specification. Turn ignition to ON position (do not start engine). Verify all warning lights illuminate then extinguish normally. Check for airbag warning light - it should illuminate briefly then turn off. Verify steering wheel controls function properly. Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary and verify smooth operation with no binding or unusual noises.
    ⚠If airbag warning light remains illuminated, there is a fault in the system. Do not drive vehicle. Use scan tool to retrieve codes and diagnose issue before operation.

Reassembly

1. Reverse removal steps, ensuring all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Use NEW intermediate shaft pinch bolt - do not reuse old bolt
3. Verify all paint alignment marks match exactly before tightening any fasteners
4. Ensure clockspring remains centered throughout reassembly process
5. Torque all fasteners to specification in the sequence recommended by Toyota service manual

Verification

• With ignition ON, verify airbag warning light illuminates briefly then extinguishes (system normal)
• Test all steering wheel controls (horn, cruise control, audio controls) for proper operation
• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary - should move smoothly with no binding, clicking, or resistance
• Verify tilt and telescope adjustments operate smoothly if equipped
• Test drive vehicle in safe area: steering should be centered, responsive, and return to center normally after turns
• If equipped with driver assist features (lane keep, adaptive cruise), perform steering angle sensor calibration using Toyota Techstream or equivalent scan tool per manufacturer procedure
• Re-scan for any stored diagnostic trouble codes and address as needed
• Verify steering wheel is properly centered when driving straight - if off-center, recheck intermediate shaft alignment marks

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