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
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Disconnect negative battery cable and wait minimum 10 minutes
- Mark center position of steering wheel with tape or marker
- Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands
- Remove front wheels
- Place drain pan under steering rack area
Procedure
- 1Remove front skid plate and access coversRemove 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 specCover Screws14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
- 2Disconnect electrical connectorLocate 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.
- 3Disconnect power steering linesUsing 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 fittingsTorque specPower Steering Line Fittings30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
- 4Remove motor mounting boltsLocate 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 specMounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
- 5Remove electric power steering motorCarefully 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.
- 6Inspect steering rack interfaceWith 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.
- 7Prepare new motor for installationUnpack 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.
- 8Install new motor assemblyPosition 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.
- 9Install motor mounting boltsThread 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 specMounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
- 10Reconnect power steering linesRemove 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 fittingsTorque specPower Steering Line Fittings30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
- 11Reconnect electrical connectorAlign 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.
- 12Fill power steering reservoirAdd 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.
- 13Bleed power steering systemWith 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.
- 14Reinstall covers and wheelsReinstall 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 specCover Screws14 Nm (10 lb-ft)Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)
Reassembly
- Ensure all electrical connections are fully seated and locked
- Verify power steering lines are torqued to specification with new O-rings installed
- Confirm steering wheel is still centered and aligned with marks made during preparation
- 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