Had my 17 SCREW in a shop for my Motor Vehicle Inspection and it was noted that there is play in the steering rack.

Anyone have any experience with this? Common issue? Is this normal with the new electronic assisted steering?

Have extended warranty which will cover the work when I take it to the dealer but and worried they will (as usual) normal or allowable amount of play and then charge me the $105 diagnostic charge.

I have no problem paying the deductible or paying for the job if it is needed and not covered, I just hate going in and getting hit with the $105 when they put it up on the hoist and its back out in the yard 20 minutes later with the good ole "Normal, Allowable play, can't replicate the problem...."

 

Every steering system has some play. Did this inspector note it was excessive? When he noted the "play" was the engine running and the electronically assisted steering rack powered up? There have been a few threads with rack problems but as I recall none were for excessive play.

Do you think it is excessive?

 

It's been a long time since I worked in a dealership as a Service Adviser but do remember the stuff in the late 90's early 2000's always having a bit of play. Wasn't sure about the new stuff. That and I really trust the place I go to for the odd job I do not want to do, they had sent me a follow up email today (was in 3 weeks ago when they mentioned the rack) asking if I got it done or wanted to book it in. I know they are looking to fill spots and all just wanted to get confirmation that there would be some play.

They didn't fail the truck for it and I really haven't noticed anything, just being cautious as I use the truck to travel for work and do about 70,000km (43,500 miles) per year. Being off the road because of Covid is the best time to have it in the shop for a day or two.

Appreciate the response.

 

All steering has some play. Today's rack and pinion steering gears are tighter tolerance than those of the earlier years. That said, proper steering needs a small deadband region when travelling in a straight line. Without a little deadband you would need to constantly make minor corrections to keep the vehicle straight. With a little deadband you can make minor adjustments to the steering without over correcting. I believe that the deadband in the steering for the F150 is as much a program controlled feature via the electronic assist as it is gear tolerance.

 

sounds like you need to find another dealer that doesn't charge you so much for a diagnostic fee. My dealer i bought my truck so far has been good had a couple noises from the 5.0 wanted them to take a look at naturally they said they couldn't find anything wrong with it. They never once charged me for a diagnostic fee. Luckily the dealer i bought my truck from offers a lifetime power train warranty so I'm not to concerned if something does break they will have to repair it.

 

There are 3 Ford dealer in a stretch of about 300km (180 miles), can you guess how many dealer owners there are in those three locations?

On one side, I need to go into the USA to get to the nearest dealer (borders being closed and not sure if they would honor a Canadian warranty) and on the other side its another 150km (90 miles) to the next dealership. They pretty much have a monopoly in my area.

Once back on the road I could stop outside my area but then can't afford (time wise) to have the truck looked at and possibly laid up for a couple of days to a week if they have to order a rack. Never really noticed anything wrong with the steering, as others have stated there is always some play. I have noticed that right after shutting the truck off, that the steering will be very light for a few seconds. Wondering if that's what the tech was feeling.