This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the electric power steering motor on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with the 5.0L V8 Coyote engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Electric power steering motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering coupling bolt (if reuse not recommended) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
2. Center the steering wheel and turn the ignition off.
3. Disconnect the negative battery terminal and wait at least 5 minutes for airbag system to discharge.
4. Raise the front of the vehicle and support securely on jack stands.
5. Remove both front wheels to improve access if needed.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove underbody splash shield
   Remove the plastic underbody splash shield or engine belly pan to access the steering components. Remove the push pins and retaining screws. Set aside for reinstallation.
2. 2

   Locate the electric power steering motor
   The electric power steering motor is mounted on the steering rack assembly, typically on the driver's side of the rack. Identify the motor housing, electrical connector, and mounting bolts.
3. 3

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the power steering motor. Press the release tab and carefully disconnect the connector. Inspect the connector terminals for corrosion and clean if necessary with electrical contact cleaner.
   ℹ️The connector may have a secondary locking tab that must be released before disconnecting.
4. 4

   Mark coupling alignment
   Before removing the coupling bolt, use a paint pen or marker to mark the alignment of the steering coupling to both the steering shaft and the motor shaft. This ensures proper alignment during reassembly.
5. 5

   Remove steering coupling bolt
   Remove the coupling bolt that connects the intermediate steering shaft to the power steering motor input shaft. Hold the coupling steady while loosening the bolt to prevent rotation. Carefully separate the coupling halves without turning the steering wheel.
   ⚠Do not allow the steering shaft to rotate once disconnected to prevent clockspring damage.
   Torque spec

   Coupling Bolt42 Nm (31 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove motor mounting bolts
   Remove the mounting bolts securing the electric power steering motor to the steering rack housing. There are typically three bolts. Support the motor as you remove the last bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove power steering motor
   Carefully pull the power steering motor assembly away from the steering rack. You may need to wiggle it slightly to disengage it from the rack pinion shaft. Inspect the motor pinion gear and rack engagement area for wear or damage.
8. 8

   Inspect and clean mounting surfaces
   Inspect the steering rack pinion shaft for damage, scoring, or excessive wear. Clean the mounting surface on the rack housing with a wire brush to remove any corrosion or debris. Apply a thin layer of white lithium grease to the pinion shaft splines if specified by the replacement motor instructions.
9. 9

   Install new power steering motor
   Align the new power steering motor with the pinion shaft on the steering rack. Ensure the internal splines engage properly and the motor seats flush against the rack housing. Start all mounting bolts by hand before tightening.
10. 10

    Torque mounting bolts
    Tighten the power steering motor mounting bolts in a star pattern to ensure even seating. Torque to specification using a calibrated torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect steering coupling
    Align the steering coupling halves using the alignment marks made during disassembly. Ensure the coupling bolt passes through both halves and the shaft flats are properly aligned. Install the new or cleaned coupling bolt and torque to specification.
    ℹ️Verify that the steering wheel is still centered before final tightening.
    Torque spec

    Coupling Bolt42 Nm (31 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Connect the electrical connector to the power steering motor. Ensure it clicks into place and the locking tab is fully engaged. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is secure.
13. 13

    Reinstall underbody shields and wheels
    Reinstall the underbody splash shield with all retaining fasteners. If wheels were removed, reinstall them and torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect battery and perform system initialization
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Start the engine and allow the power steering system to initialize. Turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock several times while stationary to allow the system to calibrate. Check for any warning lights on the instrument cluster.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked.
2. Verify all mounting bolts are torqued to specification.
3. Confirm the steering wheel remained centered throughout the procedure.
4. Check that no tools or parts were left in the work area.

Verification

• Start the engine and verify no warning lights appear related to the power steering system.
• Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock while stationary and verify smooth operation without unusual noises.
• Test drive the vehicle at low speeds in a safe area to confirm normal power steering assist.
• Verify steering wheel returns to center properly after turns.
• Scan for diagnostic trouble codes with a scan tool to confirm no faults are present.

More procedures for this vehicle