This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the Electric Power Steering (EPS) module on the 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with the 5.0L Coyote V8 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 × 2 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Motorcraft MERCON LV — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Turn steering wheel to center position with front wheels pointing straight ahead
4. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes for airbag system to discharge
5. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands at frame rails
6. Remove both front wheels
7. Place drain pan under steering rack area to catch power steering fluid

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove skid plate and access covers
   Remove the front skid plate by removing the mounting bolts. Remove any lower engine covers or shields that obstruct access to the steering rack and EPS module. On 4WD models, you may need to remove additional shields around the front differential.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect tie rod ends from steering knuckles
   Remove the cotter pins from both outer tie rod end castle nuts. Loosen but do not fully remove the castle nuts. Using a pickle fork or tie rod separator tool, separate the tie rod ends from the steering knuckles. Once separated, remove the castle nuts completely and set tie rod ends aside.
   ⚠Support the tie rod ends to prevent them from hanging and stressing the steering rack boots.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect intermediate steering shaft
   Locate the intermediate steering shaft coupling at the base of the steering column where it connects to the steering rack input shaft. Mark the orientation of the coupling for reassembly reference. Remove the pinch bolt securing the intermediate shaft to the steering rack. Carefully slide the intermediate shaft up and off the rack input shaft.
   ⚠Do not rotate the steering wheel or allow the intermediate shaft to spin freely once disconnected, as this may damage the clockspring.
4. 4

   Disconnect power steering fluid lines
   Using line wrenches to prevent rounding the fittings, carefully disconnect the power steering pressure and return lines from the EPS module. Be prepared for fluid spillage. Cap or plug the open lines and ports immediately to prevent contamination. Remove and discard the old O-rings from the fittings.
   ⚠Power steering fluid is corrosive. Clean any spills immediately and avoid contact with painted surfaces.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect electrical connectors
   Locate the electrical connector(s) on the EPS module. Press the locking tab and carefully disconnect each connector from the module. Secure the wiring harness away from the work area to prevent damage during removal.
6. 6

   Remove steering rack mounting bolts
   Support the steering rack with a jack or suitable support. Locate the steering rack mounting bolts that secure the rack to the front crossmember. There are typically two main mounting bolts. Remove these bolts while supporting the rack assembly to prevent it from falling.
   ⚠The steering rack assembly is heavy. Ensure adequate support before removing mounting bolts.
   Torque spec

   Rack Bolts127 Nm (94 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove EPS module from steering rack
   With the rack assembly supported or lowered enough for access, locate the bolts securing the EPS module to the steering rack housing. Remove these rack bolts to separate the EPS module from the rack. Carefully pull the module away from the rack, being mindful of any remaining connections or brackets.
   Torque spec

   Rack Bolts127 Nm (94 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Install new EPS module to steering rack
   Clean the mounting surface on the steering rack where the new EPS module will attach. Position the new EPS module onto the steering rack, ensuring proper alignment of mounting holes and input shaft engagement. Install the rack bolts and torque to specification in a cross-pattern to ensure even seating.
   Torque spec

   Rack Bolts127 Nm (94 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reinstall steering rack assembly
   Raise the steering rack assembly back into position on the front crossmember. Align the mounting holes and install the steering rack mounting bolts. Torque the bolts to specification. Ensure the rack is properly seated and aligned before final torquing.
   Torque spec

   Rack Bolts127 Nm (94 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect electrical and fluid connections
    Reconnect the electrical connector(s) to the new EPS module, ensuring they click securely into place. Install new O-rings onto the power steering line fittings, lubricating them lightly with clean power steering fluid. Reconnect the pressure and return lines to the module using line wrenches, torquing to specification.
    Torque spec

    Power Steering Line Fittings30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect intermediate steering shaft
    Align the intermediate steering shaft with the steering rack input shaft, matching the orientation marks made during disassembly. Slide the intermediate shaft onto the input shaft and install the pinch bolt. Torque the pinch bolt to specification. Verify that the steering wheel is still centered and the rack is in the straight-ahead position.
12. 12

    Reconnect tie rod ends
    Install the outer tie rod ends back into the steering knuckles. Install the castle nuts and torque to specification. Install new cotter pins through the castle nut slots and tie rod studs, bending the pins to secure them properly.
    ℹ️If the cotter pin holes do not align after torquing, tighten the nut further to the next alignment point. Never loosen the nut to align the cotter pin hole.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall shields and wheels
    Reinstall all removed shields, covers, and the front skid plate, torquing mounting bolts to specification. Reinstall both front wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle to the ground and torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Fill and bleed power steering system
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Check the power steering fluid reservoir and fill to the proper level with Motorcraft MERCON LV fluid. Start the engine and turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock several times to bleed air from the system. Check fluid level again and top off as needed. Inspect all connections for leaks.

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to specifications in the order listed
2. Always use new O-rings on power steering line fittings
3. Always use new cotter pins on tie rod end castle nuts
4. Ensure steering wheel remains centered throughout the procedure to prevent clockspring damage

Verification

• Start the engine and verify no warning lights appear on the instrument cluster related to the steering system
• Turn the steering wheel lock to lock while stationary and verify smooth operation with no binding or unusual noises
• Check all power steering line connections for fluid leaks
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify proper steering assist and response
• Verify steering wheel is centered when driving straight
• Recheck power steering fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment to ensure proper tire wear and handling characteristics

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