How to Remove & Install a Steering Column in a Ford Ranger

by Daniel Valladares

hand on steering whell image by Andrzej Borowicz from Fotolia.com

Replacing the steering column on your Ford Ranger is a somewhat complicated task, but it is necessary if your vehicle has been damaged in an accident. Replacement steering columns can be purchased from your local Ford dealership or directly though the Ford website. Although many people choose to purchase a new steering wheel, you may use your old one if you wish. If your air bags have been used, you will have to install new ones.

Step 1

Turn the Ranger's steering wheel to its neutral position. Turn the Ranger's engine off.

Step 2

Open the hood and use a socket wrench to remove the negative battery cable. Allow five minutes to pass for the air bags to disengage.

Step 3

Remove the two screws on the cover of the steering wheel. Remove the two screws behind the steering wheel and remove the steering wheel cover. Disconnect the electrical connector wire and remove the air bag.

Step 4

Remove the two screws securing the upper dashboard trim around the instrument cluster. Remove the dashboard trim.

Step 5

Remove the steering wheel bolt behind the steering wheel. Pull the steering wheel off the steering column.

Step 6

Remove the four screws securing the steering column to the vehicle. Carefully remove the column from the vehicle, pulling the electrical connector wire out through the bottom of the column.

Step 7

Place the new column in the vehicle and secure it with the four screws from the old column. Install the steering wheel with the steering wheel bolt.

Step 8

Reattach the dashboard trim and its accompanying screws. Reconnect the electrical connector wire to the airbag. Reattach the airbag and steering wheel cover.