Sup1980

First off, I just want to say that I am a proud owner of a 2011 ford f-150 4x4 with the ecoboost engine. Love the truck, but recently ran into issues after installing a 3'' leveling kit. When going over speed bumps and certain pot holes at slow speeds, I notice a clunking noise that sounds like it is coming from the front suspension and can feel it through the steering wheel. After doing extensive trouble shooting and forum searching I found some valuable information that I would like to share with everyone. On the 2011 F-150 a new electronic steering assist was installed that requires the battery to disconnected before installing the leveling kit. If this is not done You will have damage to the EPAS which is where the noise is coming from. This is something that I failed to do, now I have this issue. I haven't brought it to the dealership to see if it they might cover it under warranty, which I know they are going to say the leveling kit caused the problem. Has anyone else unfortunately ran into this same issue? If so, how much does it cost to get this problem resolved? Hopefully I can eliminate this issue to those that are interested in putting a leveling kit on a 2011 f-150.

ryanwiiire

I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. LUCKILY FOR ME A WORK AT THE DEALER. HOWEVER THE PROBLEM IS NOT CAUSE FROM THE LEVELING KIT ITSELF, IT IS CAUSE BY THE INSTALLER. THE 2011 SHOP MANUAL STATES THAT WHILE PERFORMING WORK ON EITHER THE FRONT SUSPENSION OR STEERING THE EPAS SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE DEACTIVATED, OR DAMAGE COULD RESULT. ONCE I PROVED THIS THE DEALER ATE THE BILL. MY TRUCK IS SINCE FIXED HOWEVER I YET TO PUT THE LEVELING KIT BACK ON. I WILL BE RE INSTALLING IT SOON AND WILL LET YOU KNOW THE RESULTS. LETS FACE IT YOU TOOK IT TO THE DEALER BECAUSE THEY ARE SUPPOSE TO KNOW THE PROPER PROCEDURES ON WORKING ON THESE TRUCKS. IF THEY DIDNT KNOW HOW THEY HAD THE RIGHT TO REFUSE THE JOB. THEY DIDNT, THATS THERE FAULT!!!

Lord-of-Ford

Well since most if not all leveling kit instructions tell you to disconnect the battery the installer may be at fault thus may void the warranty. Hopefully you caught it in time and no serious damage resulted. Not like it is easy to damage unless you did some serious 4x4ing during this time.

Doesn't hurt to ask the dealer what can be done. Would be surprised if the dealer will not cover it.

HydraulicDude

Thanks for the info! Never would have thought to disconnect the battery. Any other gotchas?

coastalconnect

Is this only on the 2011?? Thanks.

pauloricot

Hopefully it is only on the 2011 cause i just got a rancho 4" kit on my 2010

ryanwiiire

It is only a problem for the 2011 any motor but the 6.2. Just make sure when doing any suspension or steering work you disconnect the the plugs on the epas its self. My leveling kit and tires are back on with no problems. Only took a whole new rack to learn the hard way

Sup1980

How much did it cost to get the rack replaced?

cinti25

I also have this problem, however I disconnected the battery before I even took the tires off. I was so paranoid I left the headlight switch on to verify there was no power. After installing a leveling kit the same problem developed immediately. I still think the problem sounds more mechanical in nature. The electric power steering motor still works fine and makes no noises. I also have no trouble codes like the tsb says may show. I know a new steering rack solves the problem, but this means all components, both electrical and mechanical, are replaced. I've also heard the epa steering rack had a new part number assigned and is currently back ordered until mid August. Possible mechanical design flaw? Think they changed anything? Anyone have any thoughts, corrections, or insights?

easy smeasy

i know you said it only for 2011, but are we 100% sure of that? im getting close to ordering my 2.5"