So I bought a 2011 FX4 Ecoboost. Recently after i put bigger rims and tires on the truck, there is this grinding, mechanical, horrible horrible sound coming from my steering box whenever i turn the wheel to the left while completely standing still. to the right nothing, while moving either way nothing. I took it to the dealer and the first thing they say to me is that if it has anything to do with the new wheels then they will not warranty it. Of course it had nothing to do with them, they said the steering sensor wasnt working... they said theyd have it fixed the day after. so i call the day after and the service guy says he cant order only the sensor he has to order an entire new steering rack. AND THEN... they tell me theyre apparently on backorder and ford wont release any until october 30th... which means 16 days without my truck. They said theres a lucky chance that they can find one at dealers around. but im gonna call and check around for myself tommorow. The worst part of the whole thing is that im 20, and cant be given a loaner because you have to be 21. so literally I am truckless.....

 

Do you know when your truck was made? I think trucks made before June (I think) had issues with the electric power steering systems.

 

Was the battery disconnected while installing the leveling kit?

 

Yes it was.

 

Why would that matter?

 

Man that sucks to have problems so soon

 

Because you have to kill power to the electric steering before you start beating the knuckle with a BFH to release the upper balljoint.

 

More on what NASSTY is talking about:

"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."

http://www.f150forum.com/f7/2011-f-1...problem-97425/

 

Wow, then after they find the damage, they'll likely not cover it under warranty. Bummer. To bad the dealer didn't do the leveling kit, then there would likely be no problem with warranty since they should know that.

 

Ok, I wasn't aware of that new stipulation

 

oh no, its under warranty. its the steering rack. apparently it really is a big problem with some trucks made earlier this year. big enough for there to be a frggin back order on the replacement part til october 30th...... its just completely ridiculous to me... and to thing i though my used chevy had problems.... what else is in store?

 

Not that its related, but did you buy the truck or did you parents buy the truck?

 

My parents split the down payment with me and I'm paying the rest off by myself. They helped because of the 20k scholarship I got. I work as a personal trainer to pay the note

 

Well it is a new model with new drivetrain, new electric steering and everything. One thing I'm finding with Ford is that they rush new models out way to soon, without proper testing. It seems they have more 'new model' problems than other makes.

However, if you get a model that's not completely new, they usually are more reliable than other makes.

Good luck in getting this corrected. I've been pretty impressed with Ford's customer service, far better than Nissan or GMs lousy service, so maybe they'll get you all fixed and this will be the end of your problems.

Good luck

 

BS....I had plenty of loaners when I was under 21 and I had my vehicles in for service or warranty.