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2011 F 150 Electric Power Steering Issues

25 messages,  Last post on Oct 13, 2012 at 12:00 PM

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What is this discussion about? Ford F-150, Truck

Messages Page 3 of 3

#17 of 25 Re: 2011 F 150 Electric Power Steering Issues [brtruck] by temj12

Aug 04, 2012 (6:50 pm)

Replying to: brtruck (Aug 03, 2012 3:22 pm)
You describe it well. That is exactly what I have, just as I thought. If yours can't be repaired, I am thinking why should I try. I may just get rid of it, if I can. I will wait and see how you come out. I understand your concern about the problem not showing up when the regional engineer looks at it. I think that he probably won't be too anxious to find the problem. Otherwise, it would be what to do about it if the repairs have not resulted in a "fix." What you and I don't know is how many other situations they have had. They have had recalls with the Focus and the Explorer on their epas. If you have looked at the thread this week, there was one person who was having problems with the steering on his Escape. Grant it, they are different problems than you and I and others are having, but they have major problems with their electric power steering.

#18 of 25 Re: 2011 F 150 Electric Power Steering Issues [temj12] by brtruck

Aug 04, 2012 (7:56 pm)

Replying to: temj12 (Aug 04, 2012 6:50 pm)
Given what I know now, this is what I would do in your situation. First, do not waste your time with the intermediate shaft. For reference, if you look under the hood, this is the piece of the steering shaft that has the blue circular small damper (I think) on it. Replacing this did nothing. My gut is telling me that it was not the EPAS in my case either. That was a complete part change out and reprogram. If the EPAS was the problem, then replacing it would have completely solved the problem. In my case, it is better, but not solved. That leaves lubing the whole steering system. This is the only thing they did that I could see making things better but not totally fixing the problem. Maybe, when it gets hot, some steering components expand. With not enough lubrication, maybe something was happening. Just a guess. This is the easiest repair as well. No parts and they should be able to do it while you wait. Also, unlike my truck, they won't have to tear down the front end of yours. However, keep in mind that my truck is not fixed, it is better. But, if you have been able to tolerate yours for 11k, than this may make you happy. My truck was bad enough that it distracted me the whole time I was driving. Now, it only bugs me on occasion.

#19 of 25 Re: 2011 F 150 Electric Power Steering Issues [brtruck] by temj12

Aug 17, 2012 (9:31 am)

Replying to: brtruck (Aug 03, 2012 3:22 pm)
Would you let me know where you are on your EPAS repair? Thanks.

#20 of 25 Re: 2011 F 150 Electric Power Steering Issues [temj12] by brtruck

Aug 17, 2012 (7:25 pm)

Replying to: temj12 (Aug 17, 2012 9:31 am)
They put a second EPAS unit in last week. It again improved the truck, but did not fix it. Today, it actually seemed to be getting worse again. I have been working with the regional engineer and Ford is aware of a problem. I have no solution. I am shopping for a new truck........ I would push for a new EPAS unit and see what happens. Maybe you will get lucky.

#21 of 25 Re: 2011 F 150 Electric Power Steering Issues [brtruck] by temj12

Aug 20, 2012 (9:48 am)

Replying to: brtruck (Aug 17, 2012 7:25 pm)
Like you, mine is affected by the heat. When we had temperatures in excess of 100 degrees this summer, you could really feel it. It has cooled here in recent days and I am not feeling it as I did. I purchased the truck March, 2011. I did not notice it for those warmer months then. Then came winter and I did not feel it. I am sure it was because of the cold weather. Please know that it has really annoyed me, but I did not have it for several months. If you don't mind, let me know what kind of truck you get. I have looked at the 2012 Dodge Ram with the Hemi several times. They are offering great deals here on the Dodge. I just don't like the shallower bed. I like the deep Ford bed.

#22 of 25 Re: 2011 F 150 Electric Power Steering Issues [brtruck] by temj12

Sep 22, 2012 (2:35 pm)

Replying to: brtruck (Aug 03, 2012 3:22 pm)
What has become of your EPAS problem?

#23 of 25 Re: 2011 F 150 Electric Power Steering Issues [temj12] by brtruck

Sep 22, 2012 (10:44 pm)

Replying to: temj12 (Sep 22, 2012 2:35 pm)
They have replaced the EPAS a total of three times. The truck has been out of service over 3 weeks. The EPAS will be tight and pop free for 3 to 5 days and then loosen up and start popping again all at once. Ford is aware of the problem, we are not alone. However, they do not consider it a safety issue and therefor are not overly concerned. It currently meets lemon law requirements here, but Ford will not voluntarily buy it back. I can sue, live with it, or get rid of it. I am looking to unload it. It is a verified problem, but the dealer here has no idea how to fix it and neither does Ford. They just want to change the EPAS again. The dealer here has been good to work with, but the Ford regional manager that has been on my case is awful. Time for me to move on.......

#24 of 25 Re: 2011 F 150 Electric Power Steering Issues [brtruck] by firepower

Oct 05, 2012 (9:06 pm)

Replying to: brtruck (Sep 22, 2012 10:44 pm)
I own a 2012 F150 with 2,800 miles, and I have had the same "clunk" in my steering on warm days. I video taped a noise coming from the steering box while the truck was parked and cold. If you go to YouTube and search for "2012 F150 steering noise" it will come up. Here is something interesting. After a 400 mi. drive in 90 degree weather, I parked and let it cool down a little, opened the hood, grabbed the upper end of the steering shaft and was able to re-create the "pop" by pulling laterally on the shaft. It felt like there was movement at the bushing/collar at the firewall. With milder weather at home, I have not been able to re-create this popping. I am confident that there will be a fix for this.

#25 of 25 Re: 2011 F 150 Electric Power Steering Issues [firepower] by temj12

Oct 13, 2012 (12:00 pm)

Replying to: firepower (Oct 05, 2012 9:06 pm)
Thank you for the posting. You have gone further than any of us in identifying the problem. The video was very helpful. When I talk with my dealer, I can show him the youtube video. As you can see from the postings of brtruck, he has tried everything. He has found a mechanic who has really tried to find a repair. Unlike his experience, the dealer here in Nashville "blew me off." He said that I was not used to electric power steering. I told him that was not the case at all; that it had nothing to do with the feel of epas. As you can see from brtruck, they don't know how to repair it. By the way, my truck is a 2011 with 13,000 miles.

Messages Page 3 of 3

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