Steering Column, F-150, F-250, F-350, Bronco and F-Super Duty Chassis Cab

Removal

NOTE: Make sure front wheels (1007) are in the straight-ahead position.

NOTE: All components of the steering column are assembled with fasteners. They are designed with a thread locking system to prevent loosening due to vibrations associated with normal vehicle operation.

1. Disconnect battery ground cable (14301).

2. Remove steering wheel (3600) as described in this section.

3. Remove right and left lower mouldings from instrument panel by pulling up and snapping out of retainers if so equipped. On right lower moulding a screw will also have to be removed in order to remove moulding from instrument panel.

4. Remove instrument cluster mask (10890).

5. Remove air bag sliding contact (14A664) as described in this section.

6. Remove steering column release lever (3D544) by unscrewing it from steering column.

7. Rotate ignition switch lock cylinder (11582) to RUN position. Using a 1/8-inch drift, depress retaining pin of the ignition switch lock cylinder through access hole in lower steering column shroud (3530) and remove ignition switch lock cylinder.

8. NOTE: For vehicles with an E4OD transmission (7003), a protective cover (such as a rag) must be placed between the gearshift lever (7210) and steering column shroud opening during steering column shroud removal. This will prevent damage to the shrink wrap on the gearshift lever.

   Remove four retaining screws from lower steering column shroud and remove upper shroud from column.

   
   
   
   
   

9. Remove six instrument panel reinforcement brace retaining bolts (if equipped). Remove reinforcement.

   
   
   
   
   

10. Disconnect PRND21 cable from steering actuator housing (3F723) by removing one screw.

    
    
    
    
    

11. Disconnect PRND21 cable loop from shift selector hook.

12. Remove two retaining screws and two electrical connectors from switch. Remove multi-function switch (13K359) from steering column.

    
    
    
    
    

13. Remove pinch bolt from steering shaft flex coupling.

14. Disconnect shift cable from selector lever pivot.

15. Remove shift cable from steering column lower mounting bracket by pushing tab on cable in and sliding cable off bracket.

16. Disconnect ignition switch (11572) by loosening bolt and removing connector. The bolt is part of connector and can not be removed.

17. While supporting steering column, remove four retaining nuts.

18. Disconnect collapsible intermediate shaft from U-joint at lower end of steering column.

19. Remove steering column from vehicle.

    
    
    
    
    

Installation

1. Align steering column lower universal joint to lower shaft. Install one bolt and tighten to 41-57 Nm (30-42 lb-ft).

2. Support steering column to column support bracket. Install four retaining nuts and tighten to 13-17 Nm (10-13 lb-ft).

3. Install shift cable on transmission shift cable bracket (7B229).

4. Snap shift cable onto shift selector pivot ball.

5. Connect two multi-function switch electrical connectors. Position multi-function switch and install two retaining screws. Tighten to 2-3 Nm (18-27 lb-in).

6. Connect all electrical connectors.

7. Attach PRND21 cable loop on shift selector hook, and install steering column lower mounting bracket to steering actuator housing. Install retaining screw and tighten to 7-11 Nm (62-97 lb-in).

8. Install instrument panel reinforcement brace and secure with five retaining bolts. Tighten to 13-19 Nm (10-14 lb-ft).

9. Install upper and lower steering column shrouds.

10. Install instrument cluster mask.

11. Snap right and left lower instrument panel mouldings into place. On right lower moulding a screw will also have to be installed.

12. Install ignition switch lock cylinder as described in this section.

13. Install steering column release lever onto steering column.

14. Install air bag sliding contact screws, if so equipped. Tighten to 2-3 Nm (18-27 lb-in).

15. Install steering wheel onto column shaft. Install a new bolt and tighten to 31-45 Nm (23-33 lb-ft).

16. On vehicles equipped with an air bag, position air bag module to steering wheel. Install four retaining nuts. Tighten to 4-6 Nm (35-53 lb-in).

17. On vehicles not equipped with an air bag, position steering wheel pad horn switch (13A805) to steering wheel and snap into place.

18. NOTE: When the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, some abnormal drive symptoms may occur while the powertrain control module (PCM) (12A650) (PCM) relearns its adaptive strategy. The vehicle may need to be driven 16 km (10 miles) or more for the powertrain control module to relearn the strategy.

    Connect battery ground cable and air bag backup power supply, if so equipped.

19. Verify air bag warning indicator.