This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the Electric Power Steering (EPS) module on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine and 4WD.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Electric Power Steering Module × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Power steering line O-rings × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin for tie rod end × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Motorcraft MERCON LV — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Turn steering wheel to center position with wheels straight ahead
3. Mark steering wheel position with tape for reference
4. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 5 minutes minimum
5. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands
6. Remove both front wheels
7. Place drain pan under steering rack area

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the steering rack area
   Remove the front skid plate if equipped by removing the mounting bolts. Remove the engine under-shield to access the steering rack from below. This provides clear access to the EPS module mounting location.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect electrical connections
   Locate the EPS module electrical connector on the steering rack assembly. Press the locking tab and carefully disconnect the main electrical harness connector. Ensure the connector seals are inspected for damage.
   ⚠Do not pull on wires; grip the connector body firmly to avoid damaging the wiring harness.
3. 3

   Remove power steering pressure and return lines
   Using a flare nut wrench, carefully loosen the power steering pressure line fitting at the steering rack. Allow fluid to drain into the pan. Remove the return line fitting. Inspect the fittings for damage and replace O-rings on reassembly.
   ⚠Power steering fluid is highly toxic to skin and eyes. Wear appropriate gloves and eye protection.
   Torque spec

   Power Steering Line Fittings30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect outer tie rod ends
   Remove the cotter pin from the tie rod end castle nut on both sides. Loosen but do not fully remove the castle nuts. Use a tie rod separator tool or pickle fork to separate the tie rod end from the steering knuckle. Remove the castle nuts completely once the taper is broken.
   ⚠Never strike the tie rod end directly with a hammer as this can damage the ball joint. Use proper separation tools.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove steering column coupling
   From inside the cab, locate the steering column intermediate shaft coupling at the firewall. Remove the pinch bolt securing the coupling to the steering rack input shaft. Mark the shaft orientation before separation. Carefully slide the coupling off the rack input shaft.
   ℹ️The coupling may be accessed from below on some configurations. Verify best access point for your specific vehicle.
6. 6

   Support the steering rack assembly
   Position a floor jack or transmission jack under the center of the steering rack assembly. Apply slight upward pressure to support the weight of the rack before removing mounting hardware.
   ⚠The steering rack assembly is heavy and awkward. Ensure proper support to prevent it from falling during removal.
7. 7

   Remove steering rack mounting bolts
   Locate the steering rack mounting bolts securing the assembly to the front subframe. There are typically two main mounting bolts. Remove these bolts while supporting the rack assembly with the jack. Carefully lower the rack assembly enough to access the EPS module.
   Torque spec

   Rack Bolts117 Nm (86 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove EPS module from steering rack
   With the rack assembly lowered and accessible, locate the EPS module mounting bolts on the steering rack housing. Remove the module cover screws if present, then remove the module mounting bolts. Carefully separate the EPS module from the rack assembly, noting the orientation and any alignment pins.
   ℹ️The EPS module may have internal gearing that must align properly. Note the exact position before removal.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws12 Nm (9 lb-ft)

   Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install new EPS module
   Clean the mounting surface on the steering rack with a wire brush. Position the new EPS module ensuring proper alignment of any pins or gearing. Install the mounting bolts and tighten to specification. If equipped, install the cover and tighten screws to specification.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)

   Cover Screws12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall steering rack assembly
    Raise the steering rack assembly with the jack into position on the subframe. Align the mounting holes and install the steering rack mounting bolts. Torque the bolts to specification in a cross-pattern to ensure even seating.
    Torque spec

    Rack Bolts117 Nm (86 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect steering column coupling
    Align the steering column intermediate shaft coupling with the rack input shaft, matching the reference marks made during disassembly. Ensure the shaft is fully seated, then install and torque the pinch bolt to specification.
    ⚠Improper alignment of the steering coupling can cause binding or improper steering function. Verify alignment marks match.
12. 12

    Reconnect tie rod ends
    Install the outer tie rod ends into the steering knuckles. Install new castle nuts and torque to specification. Install new cotter pins through the castle nut slots, ensuring the pin is properly seated and bent to prevent removal.
    ⚠Always use new cotter pins. Never reuse old cotter pins as they may fail.
    Torque spec

    Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect power steering lines
    Install new O-rings on both the pressure and return line fittings, lightly lubricating with clean power steering fluid. Thread the fittings into the steering rack by hand to prevent cross-threading, then torque to specification using a flare nut wrench.
    Torque spec

    Power Steering Line Fittings30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect electrical and complete reassembly
    Connect the EPS module electrical harness connector, ensuring it clicks into place securely. Reinstall the engine under-shield and front skid plate if equipped. Install both front wheels and torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

    Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Fill and bleed power steering system
    Lower the vehicle to the ground. Fill the power steering reservoir with Motorcraft MERCON LV to the proper level. Start the engine and turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock several times slowly to bleed air from the system. Check fluid level and top off as needed. Check for leaks at all connection points.
    ℹ️Air in the power steering system can cause noise and reduced assist. Ensure proper bleeding before road testing.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the negative battery cable
2. Check all fluid levels and top off power steering reservoir as needed
3. Verify all electrical connections are secure
4. Inspect all mounting bolts and hardware for proper torque
5. Check for any fluid leaks around steering line connections

Verification

• Use an OBD-II scanner to clear any stored steering fault codes
• Perform steering angle sensor calibration procedure using scan tool per manufacturer specifications
• Start the engine and verify the electric power steering system operates without warning lights
• Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary and verify smooth operation without binding or noise
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed to verify proper steering assist and alignment
• Recheck power steering fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary
• Verify no fluid leaks are present at the steering rack or line connections
• Confirm steering wheel is centered when driving straight and matches reference marks from preparation
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment if steering pull or off-center condition exists

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