Leveling kit warranty issues?
 

I want to do a 2 inch leveling kit on my 2011. (Just the polyurethane spacers that go at the top of the strut assembly).

I called the dealership today, and they gave me the typical answer of "If the leveling kit is determined to have caused any issues, you'll have to pay out of pocket and the warranty won't cover it."

I know this is a gray area, and it varies by dealer, but I didn't really think a simple leveling kit would pose any issues.

Does anyone have experience with getting warranty work done with a leveling kit installed?

Boy do I have experience with this issue. I did do a level kit on my 2011 and it had an issue. Here is the story. Sorry it is long each paragraph is a post I made. If you want to see the whole thread look here.
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr valign="bottom"><td>http://images-2.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/...bits_start.gif</td> <td> </td> <td width="100%">Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums > Newer Light Duty Trucks > 2009+ F150 </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="navbar" style="font-size: 10pt; padding-top: 1px;" colspan="3">http://images-2.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/...allink_ltr.gif Front suspension

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I have an issue with my new 2011 F150 FX4 super crew with 5.0. I put a Rough Country level kit on the front struts which raised it 2.5 inches and looks great. The issue is that there is a low speed knock heard on the left side and felt through to the steering wheel. The truck has been aligned to factory specs. all bolts have been tightened, the strut has been taken off to check the top mounting bolts. Nothing appears to loose. Can't find anything. Am I forgetting something. Rough Country said it can't be the kit. It has bee used for sometime with no issues.

Well got the truck back and they said it was the level kit that caused the problem. I am not totally convinced. It still has the knock in the steering wheel just not as bad. I think that over time and more trucks get bought Ford will find this is not an isolated case. I believe that the new steering set up has something to do with it.

Well here is the answer from Ford.They will not cover the part or labor to fix because the tie rod end was struck by a hammer ( per installation instructions of the level kit) could "cause an arcing of the contacts in an internal power relay". This is a written document number 21643. So this will be fixed on my dime and installed properly. By doing this I am assured the "RED FLAG" will be taken off so if there is any issues later with this weak set up Ford will have to fix it. If that makes sense. The ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST STEERING is very sensitive to arcing and needs to be depowered prior any sharp plows to the steering linkage. So if anybody is planning to install a level kit on a 2011 F150 with the EPAS they need to NOT use a hammer. to the tie rod. I really feel in the future Ford will be modifying this set up.
The reason they say I have to pay for it is during the installation of the kit the directions state to hit the ball joint with a hammer to brake it free. Ford has issued a service document dated 1/07/2011 number 21643 that during service of the steering system it is to be depowered prior to service and there is to be no hammer blow or impact wrench use on it. If this proceedure is not followed there could some arching. It also states that there would be a code set u3000:49 and the EPAS would have to be replaced. This is where I object. There is no code and mine is more mechanical in nature not electrical. We'll see.

Well here is the latest. Took the beast in to have the EPAS replaced to correct clunk. It's gone. So for those who want a lift kit on the front DO NOT put a hammer to the tie rod end on the 2011 150's.

Latest update on my rough country level kit is a check to me for the cost of the new EPAS and lawyer fee. They have already changed the instructions to say on the 2011's unplug the power to the EPAS. I want to express to everyone the joy it is to see someone stand behind their products. I have installed many level kits from them in the past and now I will always do business with them.

I love the truck now and will tell you Rough Country is a great lift.

#1 on EPAS they DO NOT use a hammer! Must power done the EPAS system prior to working on it also, mine was left on and caused it to go bad! Luckly the Ford boys were I bought it left out that info to Ford! Another deal is it must be running to set the front end alignmment also, mine was not and start to were my new Hankook 20's I was pissed but Ford re-aligned under warranty! So far its been a learning lesson on these new systems,,,,,,,but all in all.....i luv my Race Red 2011 Fx4 5.0!

Wow. Sounds like I might be opening a whole new can of worms if I put a leveling kit on my 2011. Thanks so much for the info guys.

I've had a leveling kit on my 2004 and my 2009 and never had a lick of trouble. With that said I have a great relationship with my local dealer so I never worry about warranty issues.

technically voids it... but no dealer would crack down on that... minor mod.

Thanks for the info. I'll be having the Bilstein leveling shocks installed as soon as my truck arrives. How do I get a copy of service document 21643 to show to my installer? I could mot find it under "Recalls/TSBs" on this forum.

Can't post it so if you can give me your email I will send it to you.[IMG]file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/Chet%20Marder/My%20Documents/Downloads/01-26-2011%20123511PM%283%29.jpg[/IMG][IMG]file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/Chet%20Marder/My%20Documents/Downloads/01-26-2011%20123511PM%283%29.jpg[/IMG][IMG]file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/Chet%20Marder/My%20Documents/Downloads/01-26-2011%20123511PM%283%29.jpg[/IMG][IMG]file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/Chet%20Marder/My%20Documents/Downloads/01-26-2011%20123511PM%283%29.jpg[/IMG]

It looks like you're trying to post pics from your harddrive...this won't work.
You'll need to either create an album on FTE (go to your User CP and make it there) or you'll have to post the links from a site like Flicker, or another photosharing site.

I feel sorry for someone who actually goes off-road and bumps something with the front suspension and fries the EPAS. That is a bad design!!!

Got you covered cdmm151

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If you want a copy of the EPAS section of the factory service manual, PM me with your email address. I'll send you the pdf that I have. They highlight the need to depower the steering a few times. So, clearly Ford wants their tech's to notice.

So it looks like this is only an issue if the ignition is off? Am I reading that correctly. So Jimmy's statement about offroading and the components taking a hit should not be a concern, right?

The service manual says the following "The EPAS system requires a 12-volt, hot at all times feed for system operation."

To me this implies that you will be at risk for damage to the relay they mention, any time a direct impact to the steering or suspension. Makes me wonder, how much risk is there when a tire tech uses an impact to remove or install lug nuts. The impact forces will transfer from the lugs into the steering.

How much fuel efficiency was gained by reducing durability? I'm sure this is more about manufacturing cost savings the fuel efficiencies.

Thanks SVT, I am not that techno savvy. I am more mechanically inclined.

I had the dealership install and do an alignment my levelers. If I get a problem I'll look at them. Chris