How to Remove a Steering Column From a Ford Explorer

Applies to: FORD EXPLORER (2003)

2003 Ford Explorer

Pull Tip: Don't remove final fasteners until bracing the weight of the steering column.

Estimated Pull Time: 45 Minutes

Recommended Tools

  • Flathead screwdriver at Pull-A-Part Flathead Screwdriver
  • Plastic Trim Tool at Pull-A-Part Plastic Trim Tool
  • image of needed socket pull tool at Pull-A-Part 13mm Socket
  • image of need tools wrench at Pull-A-Part Wrench
  • Bring your Phillips head screwdriver to Pull-A-Part Phillips Head Screwdriver
  • Bring your Phillips head screwdriver to Pull-A-Part Pocket Screwdriver
  • Use a ratchet to make your repair with help from Pull-A-Part. Ratchet
  • image of needed socket pull tool at Pull-A-Part 8mm Socket

Instructions

  • 1

    Remove two 7mm bolts attaching knee bolster and remove

  • 2

    Remove 8mm bolts attaching the support/brace and remove

  • 3

    Remove Phillips screws on either side of lower shroud under steering wheel

  • 4

    Remove Phillips screw holding upper shroud

  • 5

    Unbolt fasteners connecting the wiring harness to the steering column

  • 6

    Disconnect electrical connectors attaching wires to steering column

  • 7

    Release the shifter cable from the arm using flat tip screwdriver

  • 8

    Remove cable from shifter mechanism using pocket screwdriver

  • 9

    Slide shifter cable off of bracket

  • 10

    Remove fastener from bottom of coupler using 13mm wrench

  • 11

    Remove three of four remaining 13mm fasteners from column

  • 12

    Brace the column and remove final 13mm fastener

  • 13

    Lower steering column off of studs and work it out of vehicle

New To Pull-A-Part? Learn The Process

OR