Steering wheel popping over bumps/rough terrain
07-31-2015, 07:46 AM
#2081
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I wouldn't go so far as to say 2014's are immune. Mine XLT has 6500 miles on it and is getting a new EPA rack today. Started popping at 1500 miles. Purchased 02/15. Of course Ford dealer "never heard of this...blah blah blah". Will advise results.
07-31-2015, 07:50 AM
#2082
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08-06-2015, 08:16 PM
#2084
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My '13 FX4 has developed the famed steering shaft "popping". I just got back from the dealer and he didn't argue with my diagnosis at all. He put the truck up on a hoist and rattled the shaft. He ordered a new lower steering shaft for install next week. He said he had never heard of the problem- yeah, right. I said just google f150 popping steering, and see what comes up. He quit talking right there. I'm thinking it's the same old deal- the squeaky wheel gets the grease. If you don't complain, or wait for them to break down and fix it, you might be waiting a while. I'm thinking I might try some preventative measures with the new shaft- like wrapping the new one with heavy tin foil to use as a heat shield. What do you guys think of that?
08-07-2015, 09:37 AM
#2085
I had not heard of the issue till I bought a 2013 F150 and felt it, and I work at a one of the bigger stores in St Louis. I contacted Ford Hotline to find suggestions on repair, they seemed to be unaware of the issue. Here we have 200+pages of customers with the concern, you would think Ford has taken notice? Repair attempts include replacement of the steering shaft and the rack. Seems to me the noise is coming from the rack itself. I really don't want to just throw parts at the concern till I feel it has been addressed by Ford engineering. They become aware of issues based on Hotline requests as well as Warranty claims. I am hoping they take notice and come out with a resolution. My suggestion, keep bringing the concern to your dealer. Take them for a road test and have the concern documented. They will need authorization from Ford to replace the rack and it seems some have had good results. I also have read these notes and see some have had the steering shaft replaced with success. Keep in touch with your Dealer...
08-07-2015, 09:51 AM
#2086
The new lower shaft worked for me as well. Every once in a while I feel a knock, but its not worth raising a stink at this point. The rack design hasn't changed from previous years and Ford says they have no intention of a redesign or recall.
08-08-2015, 11:58 AM
#2087
Senior Member
Lower shaft is being replaced on mine on Monday. Hope it works!
08-08-2015, 12:00 PM
#2088
Senior Member
Ill see if it really did go away when i tow the boat tonights. Thats when it really pops... towing and it scared the crap out of my girlfriend
08-08-2015, 12:18 PM
#2089
Senior Member
I originally came to this forum looking for answers in 2012 after purchasing my first F-150, a 2012 King Ranch 4x4 with all the trimmings. I bought it in January 2012 and by spring I noticed problems with my steering (among other things). I decided to wait to have it looked at until my first oil change. I eventually had 3 (that's THREE) Electronic Power Assist Steering units in my truck. The last EPAS apparently solved the problem, but after many hours of friggin frustration and sheer unadulterated pissed-offed-ness here is the final analysis. MY SOLUTION? I drove that miserable piece of S@#$! for 2 years as I paid down a 50k F150 enough to TRADE IT IN with equity. Problem solved. The EPAS system was flawed. No doubt about it. If you owned an F150 after 2011 with EPAS, you know by now 4 years later people are still feeling the pain. (Read my post about NEXTEER and PACIFIC CENTURY MOTORS). I loved my F-150 King Ranch enough to get another. In July 2014 I picked up another KR 4x4 with, yup ECOBOOST and 15k miles later NO EPAS trouble. I understand this may not be the answer to YOUR EPAS problem, but so far it appears the 2014s seem to be immune. We'll keep our fingers crossed! 
Im starting to wonder if it could be the POS Shocks these trucks have because I know in 2014 Ford changed the front shock mount. Also, I noticed m truck started the steering wheel pop when one of my rear shocks started to leak oil at 35,000 miles and thats only highway?