Power Steering Assist Failure

[Robertmangrum.rm]

Well, today while out running around some back roads, I had the truck pop up "Power Steering Assist Fault." The steering still works fluently but is acting like the Lane Keep Assist is trying hold the wheel straight when turning. I was able to get it back home. After some research it seems it could be 1 of 4 things. 1. Low Voltage, which I've ruled out. 2. Steering alignment sensor 3. ABS communication sensor? 4. Rack and pinion Itself. The rack seems smooth in-between the jerking of the wheel. I will limp it to work Monday where I can get it hooked to a good scanner. My little $40 OBD2 scanner is great for clearing codes but not reading other stuff. I will keep you guys informed on my outcome.

 

[SenorNoob]

You've got 2 modern Fords at home and no Forscan? Shame.

 

[Robertmangrum.rm]

You've got 2 modern Fords at home and no Forscan? Shame.

I dont even have a laptop at home haha

 

[Robertmangrum.rm]

Well after diagnosis seems to be a bad EPS module. Unfortunately it's built into the electric assist rack and pinion. So I have ordered a new rack. Now I will just have to wait on it to arrive. Think it may be an opportunity to upgrade the tie rods and go ahead and through the Tremor suspension parts I picked up from @Snoranger. Im sure I will have to get another alignment after I replace the rack anyways.

 

[Curious Hound]

Well after diagnosis seems to be a bad EPS module. Unfortunately it's built into the electric assist rack and pinion. So I have ordered a new rack. Now I will just have to wait on it to arrive. Think it may be an opportunity to upgrade the tie rods and go ahead and through the Tremor suspension parts I picked up from @Snoranger. Im sure I will have to get another alignment after I replace the rack anyways.

Warrenty?

 

[SenorNoob]

Not likely. It's a 2020 model per his user tag.

Wasn't the best option for warranty 5year?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

@sgtsandman had a issue with his recently too.

 

[sgtsandman]

@sgtsandman had a issue with his recently too.

Mine has water intrusion issues. The water freezes when the weather is at freezing or lower. As long as the engine can keep the rack warm enough, it's still driveable.

I do have a steering rack waiting to get put in. I just need the time and decent weather to get it done.

 

[Robertmangrum.rm]

Warrenty?

No sir. Luckily a friend of a friend had one he's pulling today and shipping. Its from a 19 with 47k miles. Hit in the rear. Fingers crossed it's got no issues haha. This was my fastest and least expensive option. Hopefully I will have it by Friday and I can swap it out this weekend. Im supposed to go to the Expo at Brushy Mountain the 27th. The devil been working on me this weekend.

 

[Robertmangrum.rm]

Well this will be my first rack and pinion swap. So any tips will be appreciated. Looks like I will have to drop the front diff to get it out. I may start tearing into this evening. Im gonna try and finesse it out first. But the way it's been going it will probably be worse case senerio.

 

[Curious Hound]

Good luck. With my new experience disassembling an Explorer, I’m not impressed with the whole rack & pinion steering & torsion bar suspension setup. Even with the engine out if the way, it looks crowded down there. I don’t want to mess with it. And I think I lost a socket down there and can’t even see it.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Well this will be my first rack and pinion swap. So any tips will be appreciated. Looks like I will have to drop the front diff to get it out. I may start tearing into this evening. Im gonna try and finesse it out first. But the way it's been going it will probably be worse case senerio.

Do they require any programming?

I know some do, no idea on these.

 

[sgtsandman]

Well this will be my first rack and pinion swap. So any tips will be appreciated. Looks like I will have to drop the front diff to get it out. I may start tearing into this evening. Im gonna try and finesse it out first. But the way it's been going it will probably be worse case senerio.

The service manual didn't mention dropping the differential. Supposedly, you are able to fish it out through the bottom of the truck after feeding a portion of it into the wheel well opposite of the motor that actuates the thing. The outer tie rod ends may need to be removed first in order to make it work.

It's been a long time since I've messed with a steering rack and that was with a traditional power steering pump. So, this may end up being more than a routine job.

Don't forget to measure your tie rod end lengths and mark the threads after you loosen the jam nut. You will need those numbers to get the alignment close to correct when you go to put the tie rod ends on the new rack. You might even get lucky and hit it dead on.

 

[sgtsandman]

Do they require any programming?

I know some do, no idea on these.

I don't recall the manual saying as much but I did only gloss over the removal procedure. With all the integrated electronics in these trucks, I wouldn't be surprised if there was a need to program and calibrate.