This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the electric power steering rack assembly on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8 engine, including disconnecting tie rods, steering coupling, and electrical connections.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Electric power steering rack assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pins for tie rod ends × 2 — Standard size for F-150
• Steering coupling bolt (if not reusable) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Tie rod end dust boots (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 10 minutes for airbag system to discharge
3. Turn steering wheel to center position and lock with steering wheel holder or seatbelt through wheel
4. Mark steering wheel position relative to column with paint marker
5. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame rails
6. Remove both front wheels
7. Spray all tie rod nuts, coupling bolt, and rack mounting hardware with penetrating oil and let soak 15-20 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark and disconnect tie rod ends
   Mark the tie rod end position on the threads using paint or count exposed threads for reference. Remove cotter pins from both tie rod end castle nuts. Loosen tie rod end nuts but do not remove completely. Use tie rod separator tool to break the taper between tie rod end and steering knuckle. Remove nuts and tie rod ends from knuckles. Note: tie rod ends remain attached to rack assembly.
2. 2

   Access steering coupling from inside cab
   From inside the vehicle, remove the lower steering column trim panels to access the steering shaft coupling at the firewall. Locate the coupling bolt connecting the intermediate shaft to the steering rack input shaft. Mark the relationship between the shafts with paint for reassembly reference.
3. 3

   Disconnect steering coupling
   Remove the coupling bolt at the steering rack input shaft. Use a pry bar to carefully separate the coupling from the rack pinion shaft. Do not allow the steering wheel to rotate from center position during this process.
   ⚠️If steering wheel rotates more than 90 degrees with coupling disconnected, the clockspring may be damaged requiring replacement.
4. 4

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the power steering rack assembly. Press the release tab and disconnect the main EPAS (Electric Power Assisted Steering) module connector. Secure the wiring harness away from the rack removal path.
5. 5

   Remove rack mounting bolts
   Locate the steering rack mounting bolts securing the rack to the front crossmember. There are typically four mounting bolts accessed from below. Remove all rack mounting bolts while supporting the rack assembly. Note bolt locations as they may be different lengths.
   ⚠Rack assembly weighs approximately 40-50 lbs. Have a helper support the unit or use a transmission jack.
6. 6

   Remove rack assembly
   Carefully lower and maneuver the steering rack assembly out from the driver side of the vehicle. The assembly will need to be angled and rotated to clear the crossmember and other components. Keep tie rod ends protected from damage during removal.
7. 7

   Prepare new rack assembly
   Unpack new steering rack assembly and verify all electrical connectors match. If reusing tie rod ends, transfer them to the new rack in the exact same position as marked (thread count or paint mark). Ensure tie rod jam nuts are snug but will allow final adjustment.
8. 8

   Install rack assembly
   Maneuver the new rack assembly into position from the driver side, reversing the removal process. Align rack mounting holes with crossmember. Install rack mounting bolts finger-tight initially, ensuring rack is properly seated before final torquing.
9. 9

   Torque rack mounting bolts
   Torque the rack mounting bolts in a cross pattern to ensure even seating. Follow manufacturer's specified sequence if available in service manual. All bolts must reach proper torque specification.
   ⚠Verify torque sequence with service manual before final torquing. Improper sequence can cause rack misalignment.
   Torque spec

   Rack Mounting Bolts127 Nm (94 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect steering coupling
    Align the marks made during disassembly and connect the intermediate shaft to the rack input shaft. Ensure proper engagement of splines. Install new coupling bolt if original shows any thread damage or deformation. Verify steering wheel has not moved from center position.
    Torque spec

    Coupling Bolt42 Nm (31 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Connect electrical connector
    Reconnect the EPAS module electrical connector to the rack assembly. Ensure connector locks firmly with an audible click. Verify connector is fully seated and locking tab is engaged.
12. 12

    Reconnect tie rod ends
    Clean the tapered holes in the steering knuckles with a wire brush. Install tie rod ends into knuckles, ensuring proper seating of the taper. Install castle nuts and tighten to specification. Install new cotter pins through castle nut slots, ensuring pin passes through tie rod stud. Bend cotter pin ends to secure.
    ⚠Castle nut may need to be tightened slightly beyond specified torque to align cotter pin hole. Never loosen to align.
    Torque spec

    Tie Rod End Nut68 Nm (50 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall both front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern. Lower vehicle until wheels just touch ground. Torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern. Remove jack stands and fully lower vehicle.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect battery and initialize system
    Reconnect negative battery cable. Turn ignition to ON position without starting engine. Cycle steering wheel slowly from lock to lock 3-4 times to initialize the EPAS system. The power steering warning light should illuminate briefly then extinguish. Start engine and verify proper steering assist operation.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall lower steering column trim panels inside cab
2. Verify all electrical connectors are secure and no wiring is pinched
3. Check that steering wheel remains centered when wheels are pointed straight ahead
4. Ensure all fasteners have been torqued to specification

Verification

• Start engine and verify power steering warning light extinguishes after system initialization
• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary and verify smooth operation with no binding or unusual noises
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area and verify proper steering response and assist
• Check for proper steering wheel return to center after turns
• Verify no warning lights related to steering system are illuminated
• Schedule professional 4-wheel alignment immediately after repair to ensure proper tire wear and handling

More procedures for this vehicle