I have an F150 Lariat crew cab 2018 and have had since new. The steering wander drives me nuts. I absolutely love the truck other wise! Thought of trading it in a few times. Almost did. Now prices are out of control! So, has anybody found a solution to the steering wander on these trucks? I brought it back to the dealer a few time and they can't find anything wrong! Anybody have a comment, It will be much appreciated!
Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Paul

 

Assuming you have driven other similar F150's for a baseline? My 2015 wanders more than I'd like and after multiple alignments it tends to lose toe in/toe out over time more than it should (not dramatically, but enough). I preemptively changed out inner/outer tie rods as well as the steering shaft and the steering shaft firewall bearing with no change. All other suspension components/hub assemblies check out fine.

I'm convinced that the EPAS steering rack is the culprit, but it must not be bad enough to trip up any sensors. I can rock the steering wheel when in park and get a clunk (more than other fleet f150s that I have driven) that I have narrowed down to something inside of the rack. When I creep around off-road at low speeds and little or no steering input I hear/feel it resonate up through the steering wheel. It is super annoying and reminds me of a situation like a misaligned exhaust pipe rubbing up against the frame.

 

My 18 XLT made me nervous. Wandering on the highway, excessively light power assist, non-centering after turning on city streets. It always required heightened attention and a firm grip on the steering wheel.

Bilstein 5100 installation and alignment improved the ride but did nothing for the white knuckles.

Then, after installing new tires I visited a locally respected shop for another alignment. The tech went for a ride and suggested some minor changes to the toe settings.

It’s been perfect ever since. I can now drive with one hand on the steering wheel. It’s quite comfortable with no weird wandering or pulling. And, it self-centers on turns now.

BTW…the tech stated that in addition to resetting the toe-in, he recalibrated the steering angle sensor. I have no idea what or where that is but I’m quite pleased with the results.

 

By any chance did you get the alignment printout and can post here, my 2018 wanders a little and I plan to get an alignment closer to spring time. Thanks.

Tom

 

I would suggest you have an alignment shop dial in more front Caster with out going out side spec.
Been there before, clear and tracks perfect on a flat road for a long distance and steering wheel returns when left to slip through the hands.
Make sure the steering wheel is centered at Zero according to the Off Road dash display.
The steering wheel shaft has two sensors.
The angle turned and the torque used to turn the wheel.
There is a calibration procedure but only to be done if a steering rack has been replaced, otherwise let that alone.
Good luck.

 

Could it be called Tramlining? I remember reading a post about wondering. Here is a copy of my notes, you will have to work through them. I saved them thinking they could be a good reference if I ever needed to solve a wondering problem. Happy searching and reading. I hope they help you find a solution.
__________________________________________________ _
Vehicle that’s wondering and following imperfections (for example ruts, groves) in the road https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiret....jsp?techid=47Read the above article for many causes. F150 May include as one of many fixes, recalibrating the electronic steering system.

Originally Posted by tmcolegr

SSM 47589 - 2016-2018 F-150 - Steering System Pull, Drift, And/Or Wander - Diagnostic Update

Some 2016-2018 F-150 vehicles may exhibit a steering drift, pull, and/or wander. To diagnose these conditions refer to Pinpoint Test (PPT) H - Steering System Pull, Drift, Wander or Steering Wheel is Off Center in Workshop Manual (WSM) Section, 211-00. Do not use PPT I - Poor Returnability Sticky Steering or Binding to diagnose drift, pull, and/or wander symptoms. These Pinpoint Tests are in the process of being updated.

https://www.f150forum.com/f118/forsc...hanges-434605/

12-20-2018, 07:46 PM
Forscan PSCM EPAS changes FORScan Check before using, look for wreedsvt who posted on www.f150forum.com
730-01-02 x*xx xxxx xxxx Torque Steer Compensation (TSC): 0=disabled, 1=enabled
730-01-02 xxx* xxxx xxxx Active Return: 0=Soft End Stops Disabled, 1=Soft End Stops Enabled
730-01-02 xxxx x*xx xxxx Soft End Stops: 0=Active Return Disabled, 1=Active Return Enabled
730-01-02 xxxx xxx* xxxx Pull Drift Compensation: 0=disabled, 1=enabled

 

I hadn't seen your post until now. DO NOT allow the dealership to do an alignment in hopes of fixing the problem. In the link are more threads I attached discussing the pull, drift, wander.
In there somewhere is a post I made where I used Forscan to change a bit in the EPAS logic that helped but didn't cure the problem. Last winter I went to the dealer to address a TSB re: the cam phasers that involved a software update/reflash. Whatever they did cured the steering issue as not two miles down the road I was in shock with the way the steering was behaving....in a good way!
SSM 47589 - 2016-2018 F-150 Ford halted pending an update and subsequently abandoned the TSB as there was never an update. In any case it didn't work as I had the dealer perform the last edition of it back in 2019.

https://www.f150forum.com/f118/2018-...-drift-466760/

 

its funny you say this because i just got my 2016 and the steering feels so different than my old 2012 camry and my wifes 2021 highlander. i wouldnt call my a wandering issue but when driving in a straight line it feels like it has super ultra power steering assist when turning the wheel like 2" to the left or right. it doesnt seem to actually wander on the road though.

 

Did the flash the dealer did change all of the things you had altered in ForScan as well?