Steering column — removal and installation Ford F150
Warning: The models covered by this manual are equipped with a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), more commonly known as airbags. Always disable the airbag system before working in the vicinity of any airbag system component to avoid the possibility of accidental deployment of the airbag, which could cause personal injury (see Chassis electrical system).
Warning: The manufacturer states to discard removed steering component fasteners (nuts and bolts) and replace them with new ones.
Removal
1. Park the vehicle with the wheels pointing straight ahead. Disconnect the cable from the negative terminal of the battery. (see Tune-up and routine maintenance).
2. Remove the knee bolster from under the steering column (see Body).
3. Remove the steering column reinforcement panel from under the steering column (see illustration).
.3 Steering column reinforcement panel mounting fasteners
4. Remove the steering column covers (see Body).
5. If necessary, remove the SCCM (Steering Column Control Module) (see Chassis electrical system).
6. Remove the shift lever (see Automatic transmission). Also detach the shift cable from the column (see Automatic transmission).
7. If equipped, disconnect the power telescopic and tilt electrical connections.
8. Disconnect the deployable column electrical connector (see illustration).
.8 Unplug the deployable column electrical connector from the left side of the column
9. Remove the pinch bolt from the upper steering column shaft (see illustration).
.9 Remove the steering column shaft pinch bolt
10. Disconnect any remaining electrical connectors from the steering column.
11. Remove the two nuts and two bolts securing the steering column to the dash support (see illustration).
.11 Steering column mounting fasteners
12. Lower the column and pull it to the rear, making sure nothing is still connected.
Installation
13. Guide the steering column into position, connect the upper steering column shaft, then install the mounting fasteners, but don’t tighten them yet.
Warning: If the front wheels were turned while the steering shaft was disconnected, the clockspring must be re-centered or it will be damaged when the vehicle is put back into service (see Steering wheel – removal and installation).
14. Tightening all the fasteners to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications.
Warning: The manufacturer recommends installing all new fasteners for the steering column and related steering components.
15. The remainder of the installation is the reverse of removal.