This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the electric power steering motor (MDPS) on a 2015 Kia Forte with 1.8L I4 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Electric Power Steering Motor (MDPS) × 1 — Use OEM Kia part number 56310-A7100 or equivalent
• Power steering line O-rings × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin for tie rod end × 1 — 3.5mm x 40mm
• Steering rack mounting bolts (if corroded) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition to ACC position and center the steering wheel, then turn ignition off
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait at least 3 minutes
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands
5. Remove both front wheels
6. Lock steering wheel in centered position using steering wheel holder or seatbelt through wheel
7. Remove engine under cover if equipped

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove front wheels and access under-vehicle components
   With vehicle raised and supported, remove both front wheels. Remove any plastic under-covers or splash shields that obstruct access to the steering rack and lower control arms. This provides necessary access to the tie rod ends and steering rack mounting points.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect tie rod ends from steering knuckles
   Remove the cotter pins from both outer tie rod end castle nuts. Using a 19mm socket, loosen but do not completely remove the castle nuts. Use a tie rod separator tool or pickle fork to separate the tie rod ends from the steering knuckles. Once separated, remove the castle nuts completely. Let the tie rod ends hang free.
   ⚠Do not strike the tie rod end threads with a hammer as this will damage the threads. Use proper separation tool.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect intermediate steering shaft
   Working from inside the vehicle, locate the intermediate steering shaft U-joint connection at the base of the steering column above the firewall. Mark the relationship between the shaft and pinion input shaft with paint or a scribe for alignment reference. Remove the pinch bolt securing the intermediate shaft to the steering rack pinion shaft. Carefully slide the intermediate shaft upward to disconnect it from the pinion.
   ⚠Ensure steering wheel remains locked in center position. Do not allow steering wheel to rotate during this procedure.
4. 4

   Disconnect electrical connector from MDPS motor
   Locate the electrical connector on the electric power steering motor mounted to the steering rack. Press the locking tab and carefully disconnect the wiring harness connector from the motor. Secure the wiring harness out of the way to prevent damage during removal.
5. 5

   Remove power steering motor mounting bolts
   Locate the mounting bolts securing the electric power steering motor to the steering rack housing. Using a 12mm or 14mm socket (verify size on your specific unit), remove all mounting bolts. There are typically 2-3 bolts securing the motor assembly. Support the motor as you remove the final bolt.
   ℹ️The motor assembly may be heavy. Support it to prevent it from falling when the last bolt is removed.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Separate motor from steering rack
   Carefully pull the electric power steering motor away from the steering rack housing. The motor shaft will disengage from the rack mechanism. Inspect the mounting surface and motor shaft for any debris, damage, or excessive wear. If present, clean the mating surfaces with a wire brush. Remove and discard old O-rings from any hydraulic connections if applicable to your specific configuration.
7. 7

   Install new power steering motor
   Install new O-rings on the motor assembly if equipped with pressure/return line connections (apply light grease to O-rings). Align the new electric power steering motor shaft with the steering rack mechanism. Carefully slide the motor onto the rack housing, ensuring proper engagement of the motor shaft with the rack gears. Verify the motor is fully seated against the mounting surface.
   ⚠Ensure motor shaft is properly aligned before tightening bolts. Forcing misaligned components can cause internal damage.
8. 8

   Install and torque motor mounting bolts
   Install all motor mounting bolts and hand-tighten. Once all bolts are started, torque the mounting bolts to specification in a cross-pattern to ensure even seating. Verify the motor is securely mounted with no gaps between motor and rack housing.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect electrical connector
   Reconnect the wiring harness connector to the electric power steering motor. Ensure the connector locks fully with an audible click. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is secure. Route the wiring harness away from any moving components or heat sources.
10. 10

    Reconnect intermediate steering shaft
    From inside the vehicle, align the intermediate steering shaft with the pinion input shaft using your alignment marks made during disassembly. Slide the shaft down onto the pinion ensuring the U-joint is properly seated. Install the pinch bolt and torque to specification. Double-check that the steering wheel is still centered.
    ⚠Misalignment of the intermediate shaft can cause steering pull and premature wear. Verify alignment marks match before tightening.
11. 11

    Reconnect tie rod ends
    Raise each tie rod end into the steering knuckle taper. Install the castle nuts and torque to specification. Install new cotter pins through the castle nut slots and tie rod stud holes. Bend cotter pin ends to secure. Repeat for both sides.
    ℹ️If castle nut slots do not align with cotter pin hole at proper torque, tighten nut further (never loosen) until next slot aligns.
    Torque spec

    Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall any under-covers or splash shields that were removed. Install both front wheels, hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower vehicle to ground and torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect battery and initialize system
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Turn the ignition to ON position without starting the engine. The electric power steering warning light should illuminate briefly then extinguish. Start the engine and verify the EPS warning light remains off. Remove the steering wheel lock/holder.

Reassembly

1. Verify all electrical connections are secure and properly routed
2. Confirm steering wheel is still centered and intermediate shaft alignment marks match
3. Double-check all torque specifications have been met, especially tie rod castle nuts and wheel lug nuts
4. Ensure new cotter pins are installed and properly bent on tie rod ends

Verification

• Start engine and verify electric power steering warning light is off
• 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 a safe area and verify proper steering assist is present
• Check for smooth steering response with no pulling, vibration, or warning lights
• Verify steering wheel returns to center after turns
• Perform final inspection underneath vehicle for any loose components or leaking connections
• If EPS warning light remains illuminated, scan for diagnostic trouble codes using appropriate scan tool

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