2012 FORD F-150

5.0L V8 Coyote4WDAUTOMATICgas
4 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
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steering

Electric Power Steering Motor

for 2012 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 Coyote · 4WD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
3.2 h
Tools
10
Steps
14

This procedure replaces the electric power steering motor on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine, restoring proper steering assist function.

Warnings

⚠️Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 10 minutes before beginning work to allow airbag system capacitors to discharge
Do not turn steering wheel with steering column disconnected or rack removed, as this can damage the clock spring
Power steering fluid will drain when lines are disconnected - have drain pan ready and contain all spills
ℹ️Mark steering wheel position relative to steering shaft before disassembly to maintain alignment

Tools required

Floor jack and jack standsEssential
Torque wrench (10-200 Nm range)Essential
Socket set (metric)Essential
Wrench set (metric)Essential
Drain panEssential
Trim panel removal tools
Wire brush
Shop towelsEssential
Digital multimeter
Steering wheel holder

Parts

  • Electric power steering motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
  • Power steering line O-rings × 2 — Use OEM specification
  • Electrical connector seals × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

  • Motorcraft MERCON LV — 1 qt

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
  2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait minimum 10 minutes
  3. Mark center position of steering wheel with tape or marker
  4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands
  5. Remove front wheels
  6. Place drain pan under steering rack area

Procedure

  1. 1
    Remove front skid plate and access covers
    Remove the front skid plate if equipped by removing the mounting bolts. Remove the steering rack access cover on the driver side frame rail to expose the electric power steering motor.
    Torque spec
    Cover Screws14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
  2. 2
    Disconnect electrical connector
    Locate the electrical connector on the electric power steering motor. Press the release tab and carefully pull the connector straight back to disconnect. Inspect connector pins for corrosion or damage.
  3. 3
    Disconnect power steering lines
    Using a flare nut wrench, carefully loosen and disconnect the power steering pressure and return lines from the motor assembly. Allow fluid to drain into drain pan. Cap or plug open ports immediately to prevent contamination.
    Use flare nut wrench to prevent rounding of line fittings
    Torque spec
    Power Steering Line Fittings30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
  4. 4
    Remove motor mounting bolts
    Locate the mounting bolts securing the electric power steering motor to the steering rack housing. There are typically three bolts. Support the motor with one hand while removing the final bolt.
    Torque spec
    Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
  5. 5
    Remove electric power steering motor
    Carefully pull the motor assembly away from the steering rack housing. The motor shaft will disengage from the rack pinion. Rotate and maneuver the motor as needed to clear frame rails and other components. Note the orientation for installation.
  6. 6
    Inspect steering rack interface
    With motor removed, inspect the steering rack pinion shaft for damage, wear, or metal debris. Check the rack housing mounting surface for cracks or damage. Clean the mounting surface with a wire brush and shop towel. Inspect O-ring grooves on fluid ports.
  7. 7
    Prepare new motor for installation
    Unpack new electric power steering motor and verify it matches the old unit. Install new O-rings on the fluid port fittings, lubricating lightly with clean power steering fluid. Do not reuse old O-rings.
  8. 8
    Install new motor assembly
    Position the new motor near the installation location. Align the motor shaft with the rack pinion shaft, ensuring proper engagement. Carefully guide the motor into position on the rack housing, maneuvering around frame rails. Verify the motor shaft is fully engaged before proceeding.
  9. 9
    Install motor mounting bolts
    Thread in all mounting bolts by hand first to ensure proper alignment. Tighten bolts in a star pattern to the specified torque to ensure even clamping pressure and proper sealing.
    Torque spec
    Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
  10. 10
    Reconnect power steering lines
    Remove caps or plugs from fluid ports. Thread power steering lines onto the motor ports by hand to avoid cross-threading. Tighten pressure and return lines to specification using a flare nut wrench.
    Verify new O-rings are properly seated before tightening fittings
    Torque spec
    Power Steering Line Fittings30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
  11. 11
    Reconnect electrical connector
    Align the electrical connector with the motor terminal and push firmly until it clicks into place. Verify the locking tab is fully engaged. Gently tug on connector to confirm secure connection.
  12. 12
    Fill power steering reservoir
    Add Motorcraft MERCON LV fluid to the power steering reservoir to the proper level. Check reservoir cap markings for cold fill level. Add approximately 1 quart, checking level frequently to avoid overfill.
  13. 13
    Bleed power steering system
    With engine off and front wheels still raised, turn steering wheel slowly from lock to lock 10-15 times. Check fluid level and add as needed. This purges air from the system. Reconnect negative battery cable.
  14. 14
    Reinstall covers and wheels
    Reinstall the steering rack access cover and front skid plate if equipped. Install front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts. Lower vehicle to ground and torque lug nuts in star pattern to specification.
    Torque spec
    Cover Screws14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

  1. Ensure all electrical connections are fully seated and locked
  2. Verify power steering lines are torqued to specification with new O-rings installed
  3. Confirm steering wheel is still centered and aligned with marks made during preparation
  4. Double-check all mounting bolts are tightened to proper torque values

Verification

  • Start engine and listen for unusual noises from steering system
  • Check for fluid leaks around motor connections while engine is running
  • Turn steering wheel slowly from lock to lock while monitoring fluid level - add fluid if needed
  • Test drive vehicle at low speed, verifying smooth power steering assist in both directions
  • Confirm no warning lights on instrument cluster related to power steering system
  • Recheck fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary
  • Inspect ground under vehicle for any fluid leaks after test drive

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