My 2011 F150 Ecoboost XLT is having steering/power steering issues. I've done some internet searching and found this seems to be a big problem for the 2011 Ecoboosts. I'm assuming this has been discussed here on FTE and if so can you direct me to the thread(s)?


A Ford dealership evaluated this problem and diagnosed it as a mechanical issue related to the steering knuckle. I told him I thought it was the electronic power steering and the rep. told me it was definitely the knuckle. I took the truck to a different local shop and they performed the work on the steering but this hasn't corrected the problem.


Symptoms: steering appears to "stick" and I have to fight it pretty often to get the steering wheel to break free. This is a safety hazard and because of it the truck doesn't get driven much.


Thanks!


P.S. I'm at 162,000 miles.

 

I'm no expert on diagnosing these things, but I can say that replacing that vacuum pump is really easy and something I did myself with no hassle. I would think any dealership could tell the difference between the two problems.

 

The electronic steering is an issue on these trucks, and when it goes you apparently have to replace the entire steering rack. I've seen figures as high as $2,000 for this service. I hope and pray that mine holds together because I certainly can't afford a bill like that.

 

I'm confused, perhaps the OP was edited. When did he mention anything about the vacuum pump?

We're going to need more specifics than that. What did they say was wrong with your knuckle? What did they do to fix it? Just for what it's worth, all 2011+ F150s use the exact same power steering system except for the 6.2L trucks, this has nothing to do with the EcoBoost engine.

 

EPAS failures seem to be popping up more consistently. This is standard on the Ecoboost and the 5.0. Signs of a failure is hard steering and the doomed "Service Advancetrac" message in the center of the cluster.

 

And 3.7L. Every F150 that doesn't have the low-volume 6.2L V8 has the same EPS system.

 

Of course. The 3.7 is mostly used in fleet vehicles so as far as a forum is concerned it is a low volume motor as well. We will never hear a true number of EPAS failures. Mine is on its way out.

 

Really...what makes you say that?

 

The name of the forum sums it up. Ford Truck Enthusiasts-with emphasis on the Enthusiasts part. The 6.2 is indeed rare. Not to many forum enthusiasts are rocking the 3.7.

Wait, you were using sarcasm, weren't you? I don't have any hair so the emoticon went right over my head.

 

Nope...you missed my point because I didn't narrow my quotes enough. What makes you say that your power steering is failing?

 

I was backing up my dump trailer and heard a pop. My Service Advancetrac light came on soon after. Now it seems to come on during steering so I am assuming it is only a matter of time. I will run it until it gives out or becomes too annoying. I am actually waiting until the change has been done by a few and the programming has been done with FORscan.

 

Supposedly, Ford puts millions of miles on these during testing before releasing them to the public. So why are we seeing steering failures, engine knocking, transmissions shifting to 1st on the interstate, cabs rusting apart, brake lights leaking, front hubs failing, etc. on 3-6 year old trucks?

It kind of frustrates me. I grew up in the era when you couldn't kill a Ford truck. I'm starting to feel like today's Fords aren't what they used to be.

 

Overall, trucks are far more reliable than they used to be, but we drive them faster, harder and generally maintain them less. The internet also means that if there is a big failure somewhere, EVERYONE knows about it within a day or two.

It is incredibly frustrating when your vehicle lets you down, that hasn't changed.

 

Thanks everyone for the responses. I'm still figuring out what I should do about the problem. The truck sits in the driveway at this point as I drive a Ford Fusion for my work commute. I'm concerned about the safety of the truck due to this steering issue, I also don't want to put much money into the truck at this point. I'd like to find the cheapest and safest solution.


Tom, I don't exactly have much more information about what Ford said at this point. I'm sure I get call and get their service record information. Basically Ford service manager said the steering knuckle needed replaced and that this is common, I mentioned possible power steering issue and he dismissed it. I don't have faith in this particular dealership because of a previous experience with them replacing the vacuum pump on this truck... they ordered the part under the extended warranty and then I called to check on it a month or two later, they said it still wasn't in, a called a few months after that and they said bring the truck in....... it was fixed/replaced under warranty.


As for the steering knuckle I had it replaced by a local garage I know well (non-ford).


Ultimately, I'm experiencing occasional stiffness in the power steering which I have to fight against to free the wheel up. As mentioned this is unsafe and the truck is parked at this point.


Anybody have a cheap solution? Any ideas? If I want to keep the truck for weekend projects what are you thoughts on removing the power steering all together? I know I know, probably would end up causing too many other issues, But this truck is worth about $6,000 and I don't want to put a grand or two into this steering solution. Besides this problem the truck is in good shape.


Thanks!