Removal and Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Mercury Sable and 2003 Ford Taurus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Turn the steering wheel to the straight ahead position and turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
CAUTION: Do not allow the steering wheel to rotate while the steering column intermediate shaft is disconnected or damage to the clockspring can result. If there is evidence that the intermediate shaft has rotated, the clockspring must be removed and recentered. For additional information, refer to AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS .

NOTE: Discard the upper and lower intermediate shaft-to-steering column shaft pinch bolts upon removal. Do not reuse; install new bolts.

Remove and discard the upper and lower steering column shaft pinch bolts and remove the coupler.

Fig 1: Removing Upper And Lower Steering Column Shaft Pinch Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Do not allow the steering wheel to rotate while the steering column intermediate shaft is disconnected or damage to the clockspring can result. If there is evidence that the intermediate shaft has rotated, the clockspring must be removed and recentered. For additional information, refer to AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS .

To install, reverse the removal procedure.