pfbz

Does anybody have an idea what is actually failing inside the steering assembly?

Seems like this is the kind of problem that is likely to turn into a recall if enough of them fail.

Just picking up my truck from the tranny pump tsb replacement. 1 day to fix, two weeks for parts. I hope I at least get through Labor Day before I notice any steering issues

got_titan

Just picked my truck up and they replaced the rack and so far it has fixed the popping. It actually feels different, better, tighter to me. Will drive more to confirm but definitely feels like its fixed.

dw66

Just picked up truck. Seems fixed. Did 25 miles on highway @70mph and 15 miles around town. Didn't feel any pops. Asked what lubricant is in the gear and its Transmission Fluid. Also as seen on invoice. Now that its fixed, I am realizing how much it was actually vibrating and making noise. Felt different to drive.

For those wondering, I dropped it off at 8am and it was done and test drove @3:30pm.

pfbz - I was told they think the tolerances are off on the gears inside. The hotter they get, the more the metal expands and thats why we were feeling it more when it was hot.

For those of you they are still saying its normal. Tell your dealer they need to talk to Ford Tech. They know its a problem, why else would they have shipped out over 400 of these parts for replacement?

After looking at Titan's, I wonder why they put new bolts on mine and not his?

My dealer, as you can see on invoice is New Country Ford in Saratoga NY. 518-584-7272. Incase your dealer needs to talk to them.

Sir James

Fixt Picked it up this afternoon. Drove from the dealer to work about 30 miles and then home about 23 miles. About 75% of this was freeway. The issue is not there. Was only in the low 70's so I have nothing to add in that aspect. I would agree that it feels a little more solid. It feels like my '10 did. That was one of the first things I noticed when I drove the '11 is how light the steering was. Will that get any lighter once the gears break in a little? Time will tell. But I am ok with the results. Here is a pic of the work order.

Sir James...

dw66

Just a quick update, if you get this done, make sure your battery light isn't on. I didn't notice until I took my key out and it said "system turned off to save battery". Took it to dealer and they had to reset the BMS ( Battery Management System), Ford tech told them changing out a part that has a big power draw can screw the system up. They reset it and all is good now.

medic579

Okay here's my question I hear a squeak like sound when turned all the way sounds like something bottoming out is this what y'all are talking about.

Sir James

Never had had any "squeaks" and the problem seemed to go away(at least on my truck) when the wheel was turned one way or another. Only felt it when the wheel was strait. Something felt loose, as you can read in the WO from the dealer they described it as a "nibble" I felt a chatter. More at low speeds but it did start doing it a highway speeds as well. I could never add anything for those who felt it when it was hot out as it has not gotten over 85 here this summer(Seattle)


Sir James...

theApoc

Had the truck in for an unrelated issue, but I have had this problem for months now, found this thread and I am headed to the dealer armed with a lot more information thanks to you guys.

Hopefully they will listen and order the part for me.

Sir James

The noise has returned. I had it at the dealer today and they are certain that it is the leveling kit causing the issue. (1" Daystar poly) I spoke with the Tech at length and he related that these trucks are built to such tight tolerances that any mods to the suspension can cause issues. He also said that Ford recommends that they not use impact guns on suspension related jobs as it can harm the sensors in the EPS. He explained that the way the steering arms angle down and that the A arms are a lot shorter not allowing for any excess travel. So I am considering having the leveling kit removed. How many of you guys that had this issue are lifted or leveled?


Sir James...

2011XLT

I have been watching this thread like a hawk, hoping for some good news, LOL. I have noticed this in my truck as well. 2011 XLT, 5.0, 3100 miles. Took it to the dealer an explained the situation about a week ago. Service Manager drove the truck and I rode with, and naturally, the symptoms did not occur. The next night, I left work and of course, I noticed the popping-ratteling feeling in the steering wheel and periodically continue to feel the symptoms described. My fiance has even heard the popping while going down the street. For those owners that have had the repairs made, and do not have a leveling kit, did the repair help?