This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the electric power steering (EPS) motor on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Electric power steering motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Power steering line O-rings × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pins for tie rod ends × 2 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Motorcraft MERCON LV — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels.
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait at least 2 minutes for airbag system to discharge.
3. Remove front skid plate if equipped.
4. Turn steering wheel to center position and install steering wheel locking device to prevent rotation during service.
5. Raise front of vehicle and support with jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points.
6. Remove both front wheels.

Procedure

1. 1

   Access steering rack area
   Remove the lower engine shield and any belly pans that obstruct access to the steering rack. On 4WD models, you may need to lower the front skid plate completely. Clean the area around the steering rack to prevent contamination.
2. 2

   Disconnect tie rod ends
   Remove the cotter pins from both outer tie rod end castle nuts. Loosen but do not fully remove the tie rod end castle nuts. Use a pickle fork or tie rod separator to break the taper connection between the tie rod ends and steering knuckles. Once separated, remove the castle nuts completely and set tie rod ends aside.
   ⚠Keep tie rod ends clean and protected from debris. Mark or measure their position for proper alignment during reassembly.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Drain power steering fluid
   Locate the power steering fluid reservoir. Use a turkey baster or fluid transfer pump to remove as much fluid as possible from the reservoir. Place a drain pan under the steering rack to catch remaining fluid that will drain when lines are disconnected.
4. 4

   Disconnect power steering lines
   Locate the power steering line connections at the steering rack. Clean the area around the fittings thoroughly. Using appropriate wrenches, carefully disconnect both the supply and return lines from the steering rack. Cap or plug the lines and ports immediately to prevent fluid loss and contamination. Discard the old O-rings.
   ⚠Power steering fluid will drain from the lines and rack. Have drain pan positioned to catch all fluid.
   Torque spec

   Power Steering Line Fittings30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Disconnect EPS motor electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the electric power steering motor assembly. Press the release tab and carefully disconnect the electrical connector. Inspect the connector for corrosion or damage. Secure the wiring harness out of the way using wire or zip ties.
6. 6

   Support steering rack assembly
   Position ratchet straps or heavy wire to support the steering rack from the vehicle frame or crossmember. The rack must be properly supported before removing mounting bolts. Ensure the support method will not allow the rack to drop or pivot when bolts are removed.
   ⚠️The steering rack assembly is heavy and awkward. Failure to properly support it can result in serious injury or component damage.
7. 7

   Remove steering rack mounting bolts
   Locate the steering rack mounting bolts that secure the rack to the crossmember. There are typically four main mounting bolts. Remove these bolts while ensuring the rack remains properly supported. Carefully lower the rack enough to access the EPS motor mounting location.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove EPS motor mounting bolts
   With the steering rack lowered and accessible, locate the mounting bolts that secure the electric power steering motor to the steering rack assembly. Remove these mounting bolts and carefully separate the EPS motor from the rack. Note the orientation and position of the motor for proper installation of the replacement unit.
   ⚠The EPS motor contains electronics and should be handled carefully. Do not drop or strike the unit.
   Torque spec

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

   Install new EPS motor
   Position the new electric power steering motor onto the steering rack in the same orientation as the original. Install the mounting bolts and hand-tighten initially. Torque the mounting bolts to specification in a cross-pattern to ensure even seating.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall steering rack
    Carefully raise the steering rack assembly back into position on the crossmember while guiding the power steering lines and electrical connector through their routing paths. Install all rack mounting bolts and hand-tighten. Torque all rack mounting bolts to specification in the proper sequence (consult service manual for torque sequence if specified).
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect power steering lines
    Install new O-rings on the power steering line fittings, lubricating them lightly with clean power steering fluid. Connect both the supply and return lines to the steering rack. Torque the line fittings to specification, being careful not to cross-thread.
    ⚠Use only new O-rings. Reusing old O-rings will likely result in leaks.
    Torque spec

    Power Steering Line Fittings30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect electrical connector and tie rod ends
    Reconnect the electrical connector to the EPS motor, ensuring it clicks into place securely. Reconnect both outer tie rod ends to the steering knuckles. Torque the castle nuts to specification and install new cotter pins. The slots in the castle nut must align with the hole in the tie rod stud; if needed, tighten the nut further (never loosen) to achieve alignment.
    Torque spec

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

    Fill power steering system
    Fill the power steering reservoir with Motorcraft MERCON LV fluid to the appropriate level marking. Do not overfill. Remove the steering wheel locking device. With the engine off, turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock several times to purge air from the system. Check fluid level and add as needed.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall both front wheels, hand-tightening lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until wheels just contact the ground. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands. Reinstall any skid plates or belly pans that were removed.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Start the engine and check for power steering fluid leaks at all connection points.
3. Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock several times with the engine running to complete air purge. Recheck fluid level.
4. Test power steering function at idle and while driving slowly in a safe area.
5. Schedule a front-end alignment as soon as possible, as tie rod ends were disconnected during this procedure.

Verification

• Verify no power steering fluid leaks are present at line connections or rack seals.
• Confirm electric power steering functions properly with smooth operation and no unusual noises.
• Check that EPS warning light does not illuminate on the dashboard.
• Verify steering returns to center properly after turns.
• Confirm all wheels are properly torqued and secure.
• Schedule front-end alignment to ensure proper toe settings after tie rod disconnection.

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