This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the electric power steering motor on a 2021-2024 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine, including disconnection of electrical connectors and mounting hardware.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Electric power steering motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Mounting bolt seal washers (if equipped) × 3 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels securely
3. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
4. Open hood and support with prop rod
5. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 2 minutes minimum
6. Raise front of vehicle and support on jack stands at frame rails
7. Remove front skid plate if equipped

Procedure

1. 1

   Access steering column coupling
   Remove the lower steering column access cover inside the cab. Use trim tools to carefully release retaining clips without breaking them. This provides access to the intermediate shaft coupling bolt.
   Torque spec

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

   Mark and disconnect intermediate shaft
   Mark the alignment of the intermediate shaft to the steering column shaft with paint or marker for reassembly reference. Remove the coupling bolt using a ratchet and socket. Separate the intermediate shaft from the column shaft by pulling downward. Do not rotate the steering wheel after disconnection.
   ⚠Mark shaft alignment before separation to ensure proper reassembly and prevent steering wheel misalignment.
   Torque spec

   Coupling Bolt39 Nm (29 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Access EPS motor from underneath
   Working from underneath the vehicle, locate the electric power steering motor mounted to the steering rack assembly. The motor is positioned on the driver side of the rack, typically covered by a protective shield or heat shield.
4. 4

   Disconnect EPS motor electrical connector
   Locate the main electrical connector on the EPS motor housing. Press the locking tab and carefully disconnect the connector. Ensure the connector is moved away from the work area to prevent damage during motor removal.
   ⚠Do not pull on wires; always grasp the connector body to disconnect.
5. 5

   Remove EPS motor mounting bolts
   Remove the three mounting bolts securing the EPS motor to the steering rack housing. Support the motor weight as you remove the final bolt. Note the position of any seal washers or spacers for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove EPS motor from rack
   Carefully pull the EPS motor straight away from the steering rack housing. The motor shaft will disengage from the internal steering rack gear. Inspect the motor shaft and rack gear interface for damage or debris. Clean the mounting surface on the rack housing with a clean rag.
   ℹ️Do not rotate the steering rack shaft while the motor is removed.
7. 7

   Install new EPS motor
   Verify the new EPS motor matches the original. Align the motor shaft with the steering rack gear engagement. Carefully slide the motor into position, ensuring proper shaft engagement before seating the motor fully against the rack housing. Install new seal washers if equipped.
8. 8

   Install and torque mounting bolts
   Install all three mounting bolts finger-tight first to ensure proper alignment. Torque the mounting bolts in a star pattern to specification using a calibrated torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect electrical connector
   Reconnect the EPS motor electrical connector ensuring it clicks and locks securely. Verify the locking tab is fully engaged. Route the wiring harness to avoid contact with hot or moving components.
10. 10

    Reconnect intermediate shaft
    Working from inside the cab, align the intermediate shaft with the steering column shaft using the alignment marks made during disassembly. Install the coupling bolt and torque to specification. Verify the shaft is fully seated before tightening.
    ⚠Misalignment of the intermediate shaft will cause steering wheel off-center condition.
    Torque spec

    Coupling Bolt39 Nm (29 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall access covers
    Reinstall the lower steering column access cover, ensuring all retaining clips engage properly. Torque cover screws if equipped to specification.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect battery and initialize system
    Reconnect the negative battery cable. Turn the ignition to ON position without starting the engine. Allow the vehicle to complete system initialization for approximately 30 seconds. Check for warning lights on the instrument cluster.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall front skid plate if equipped
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands
3. Remove wheel chocks
4. Start engine and verify no warning lights are illuminated
5. Perform steering system calibration using Ford IDS or equivalent scan tool if required

Verification

• With engine running, turn steering wheel lock-to-lock slowly and verify smooth operation with no binding or noise
• Verify power steering assist is functioning properly (steering effort should be light)
• Check for any fault codes using a scan tool and clear if no active faults are present
• Verify steering wheel is centered when driving straight
• Test drive vehicle at low speed to confirm proper steering operation and assist
• Recheck all mounting bolt torque after test drive
• Verify no warning lights remain illuminated on instrument cluster

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