This procedure covers the replacement of the electric power steering motor on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine, requiring removal of steering components and rack access.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Electric power steering motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin for tie rod end × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Power steering line O-rings × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Electrical contact cleaner × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and ensure front wheels are pointing straight ahead
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 2 minutes for airbag system to discharge
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame rails
5. Remove both front wheels
6. Mark or photograph steering column position and tie rod positions for reassembly reference
7. Take a photo of all electrical connectors before disconnection

Procedure

1. 1

   Access steering rack area
   Remove the plastic belly pan and any skid plates underneath the front of the vehicle to access the steering rack. Remove the cover screws securing the steering rack heat shield if equipped. The steering rack is located behind the front crossmember.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect tie rod ends
   Remove the cotter pin from the tie rod end castle nut on both sides. Loosen but do not remove the tie rod end castle nuts. Use a tie rod separator or pickle fork to separate the tie rod ends from the steering knuckles. Once separated, remove the castle nuts completely and set tie rod ends aside. Count and record the number of visible threads on each tie rod for approximate alignment during reassembly.
   ⚠Do not strike the tie rod end or steering knuckle directly with a hammer as this can damage components. Use a proper separator tool.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove lower steering column coupling
   Access the steering column intermediate shaft coupling inside the cabin at the firewall or from underneath. Mark the relationship between the steering shaft and the rack input shaft with paint or a scribe. Remove the lower coupling pinch bolt and carefully separate the intermediate shaft from the steering rack input shaft. Support the shaft to prevent it from rotating.
   ⚠Once disconnected, do not turn the steering wheel or allow the intermediate shaft to rotate. Zip tie or secure the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position to prevent clockspring damage.
4. 4

   Disconnect electrical connectors
   Locate the main electrical connector on the electric power steering motor. Press the locking tab and carefully disconnect the connector. Clean the connector terminals with electrical contact cleaner and inspect for corrosion or damage. Disconnect any additional wiring harness clips or brackets securing the harness to the steering rack.
   ℹ️The EPS motor connector may be stiff due to weather seal resistance. Do not force; ensure locking tab is fully released before pulling.
5. 5

   Support steering rack
   Position a transmission jack or appropriate support under the steering rack assembly to support its weight. The rack assembly with motor weighs approximately 35-40 lbs and can shift when mounting bolts are removed.
   ⚠Ensure the support is stable and will not allow the rack to fall or shift suddenly when bolts are loosened.
6. 6

   Remove steering rack mounting bolts
   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 with the jack. Lower the rack slightly to gain access to the power steering motor mounting area.
   Torque spec

   Rack Bolts117 Nm (86 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove power steering motor mounting bolts
   Locate the mounting bolts that secure the electric power steering motor to the steering rack housing. These are typically three or four bolts arranged in a circular pattern around the motor housing. Clean the area around the bolts before removal to prevent debris from entering the rack. Remove the mounting bolts in a crisscross pattern to prevent binding.
   ⚠The motor may contain internal gears under spring pressure. Keep the motor upright and controlled as you remove the final bolt.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove electric power steering motor
   Carefully pull the electric power steering motor straight away from the steering rack housing. The motor shaft will disengage from the internal rack gear mechanism. Inspect the motor shaft, gear teeth, and housing bore for wear, damage, or metal debris. Clean the mounting surface on the rack housing with a clean lint-free cloth.
   ℹ️Some motors may have an O-ring or gasket seal. Note its position and condition for replacement installation.
9. 9

   Install new power steering motor
   Ensure the new motor shaft teeth are clean and undamaged. Apply a thin film of clean power steering grease to the motor shaft teeth if specified by manufacturer. Align the motor shaft with the internal gear mechanism in the rack housing. The motor will only fit in one orientation due to bolt hole alignment. Push the motor fully into the housing until it seats completely against the mounting surface.
   ⚠Do not force the motor. If resistance is felt, verify shaft alignment with internal gears. Forcing can strip gear teeth.
10. 10

    Install motor mounting bolts
    Install the motor mounting bolts by hand, threading each bolt at least three turns before tightening any. Once all bolts are started, tighten them in a crisscross pattern to the specified torque. This ensures even seating of the motor against the rack housing.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall steering rack
    Raise the steering rack assembly back into position against the crossmember using the support jack. Align the rack mounting holes with the crossmember. Install the steering rack mounting bolts and tighten to the specified torque. Ensure the rack is properly centered and not bound or twisted.
    Torque spec

    Rack Bolts117 Nm (86 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect steering column coupling
    Align the intermediate steering shaft with the rack input shaft using the alignment marks made during disassembly. Ensure the wheels are still pointing straight ahead and the steering wheel has not moved. Install the coupling pinch bolt and tighten to manufacturer specification (typically 25-35 Nm, though not provided in specs list).
    ⚠Verify alignment marks match exactly. Misalignment will cause steering wheel to be off-center and may trigger fault codes.
13. 13

    Reconnect tie rod ends
    Install the tie rod ends back into the steering knuckles. Thread each tie rod to approximately the same position as recorded during removal. Install the castle nuts and tighten to the specified torque. If the castle nut slots do not align with the tie rod end hole for cotter pin insertion, tighten further to the next slot alignment (never loosen). Install new cotter pins and bend the ends to secure.
    ℹ️A professional wheel alignment is required after this procedure. Tie rod adjustment during installation is only for approximate positioning.
    Torque spec

    Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect electrical connections
    Connect the main electrical connector to the power steering motor, ensuring it clicks fully into place and the locking tab engages. Reinstall any wiring harness clips or brackets. Verify all connections are secure and wiring is routed away from hot or moving components.
15. 15

    Reinstall shields and wheels
    Reinstall the steering rack heat shield and cover screws if removed. Reinstall the belly pan and any skid plates. Install both front wheels and tighten lug nuts in a star pattern to the specified torque.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws12 Nm (9 lb-ft)

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Lower vehicle to ground and remove jack stands
2. Reconnect negative battery cable
3. Turn ignition to ON position without starting engine and verify no dashboard warning lights related to power steering are illuminated (initial check only)
4. The steering angle sensor MUST be calibrated using a Ford-compatible diagnostic scan tool before driving the vehicle

Verification

• With engine running, verify power steering assistance is functioning by turning steering wheel lock to lock while stationary
• Check for unusual noises, grinding, or binding in the steering system
• Verify no warning lights on instrument cluster related to power steering or traction control systems
• Confirm steering wheel returns to center properly after turning
• Use a professional scan tool to verify no fault codes are present in the power steering control module
• Perform steering angle sensor calibration using Ford IDS or equivalent professional tool
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment as tie rod ends were disconnected

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