steering
Power Steering Pump
for 2017 Ford F-150 3.5L V6 EcoBoost · RWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
1.8 h
Tools
5
Steps
10
This procedure addresses replacement of the power steering pump on 2015-2020 Ford F-150 vehicles with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, which uses Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) and does not have a traditional hydraulic power steering pump.
Warnings
⚠️This vehicle uses Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) with NO hydraulic power steering pump or fluid. Do not attempt to service a non-existent hydraulic pump.
⚠The EPAS motor is typically integrated into the steering rack assembly. Full steering rack replacement may be required if the motor fails.
⚠Disconnect battery negative terminal and wait 2 minutes before working on steering components to prevent airbag deployment.
ℹ️Verify your specific vehicle configuration. Some F-150 models may have different steering assist configurations.
Tools required
OBD-II diagnostic scannerEssential
MultimeterEssential
Socket set (metric)Essential
Torque wrenchEssential
Trim panel removal tools
Parts
- Electric power steering motor assembly (if applicable) × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Steering rack assembly (if motor is integrated) × 1 — Use OEM specification
Preparation
- Verify that your 2015-2020 F-150 3.5L EcoBoost actually requires power steering pump service. This engine uses Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) with no hydraulic pump.
- If experiencing steering issues, diagnose the EPAS system using an OBD-II scanner to retrieve fault codes.
- Confirm whether the EPAS motor is serviceable separately or requires steering rack replacement.
- Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake.
- Disconnect battery negative terminal and wait minimum 2 minutes for airbag system to discharge.
- Turn steering wheel to center position and lock in place if possible.
Procedure
- 1Verify EPAS System ConfigurationConfirm your 2015-2020 F-150 3.5L EcoBoost has Electric Power Assisted Steering by checking under the hood for absence of power steering fluid reservoir. The EPAS motor is integrated into the steering rack assembly located under the vehicle, not in the engine bay. There is no traditional belt-driven power steering pump on this configuration.
- 2Perform Diagnostic ScanConnect OBD-II scanner and retrieve any steering-related fault codes. Common EPAS codes include C0051 (steering position sensor), C0055 (motor circuit), or C0071 (steering angle sensor). Document all codes before proceeding with any repairs.
- 3Access Steering Rack (If Replacement Required)If steering rack replacement is necessary due to integrated EPAS motor failure: Raise and support vehicle on jack stands. Remove front wheels. Document steering wheel position for alignment reference.
- 4Disconnect Tie Rod EndsRemove cotter pins and loosen tie rod end nuts. Use tie rod separator tool to disconnect outer tie rod ends from steering knuckles. Mark tie rod positions for reinstallation to preserve alignment settings.
- 5Disconnect EPAS Electrical ConnectorLocate the EPAS motor electrical connector on the steering rack assembly. Release connector locking tab and carefully disconnect the multi-pin connector. Inspect connector and pins for corrosion or damage.
- 6Remove Steering Rack Mounting BoltsSupport steering rack with transmission jack or suitable support. Remove steering rack mounting bolts from subframe. Note any shims or spacers for reinstallation. Carefully lower rack assembly from vehicle.⚠Steering rack is heavy. Use proper support to prevent injury or component damage during removal.
- 7Install Replacement Steering RackPosition new or remanufactured steering rack assembly (with integrated EPAS motor) into mounting location. Install any shims or spacers in original positions. Hand-thread all rack mounting bolts before final torquing.
- 8Reconnect Electrical and Tie RodsConnect EPAS motor electrical connector ensuring positive locking engagement. Reconnect tie rod ends to steering knuckles, installing to previously marked positions. Install new cotter pins.
- 9Reinstall Wheels and Lower VehicleInstall front wheels and torque lug nuts in star pattern. Lower vehicle to ground and perform final lug nut torque verification with wheels on ground.
- 10Perform EPAS System RelearnReconnect battery negative terminal. Turn ignition to ON position without starting engine. Turn steering wheel slowly from lock to lock 3-5 times to allow EPAS control module to relearn steering angle sensor values. Use diagnostic scanner to clear fault codes and verify system operation.
Reassembly
- Verify all electrical connections are secure and properly locked.
- Confirm all mounting bolts are torqued to specification.
- Ensure tie rod ends are properly seated and secured with new cotter pins.
- Complete EPAS steering angle sensor calibration using diagnostic scanner if required by your specific model year.
Verification
- Start engine and verify no warning lights on instrument cluster related to steering system.
- Turn steering wheel through full range of motion and verify smooth operation with no binding or unusual noises.
- Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area to confirm proper steering assist function.
- Perform wheel alignment to verify tie rod positions are correct and steering is centered.
- Re-scan with OBD-II scanner to confirm no active or pending EPAS fault codes remain.