Electronic power steering (EPS) racks are increasingly common on vehicles these days. And while they can be intimidating if you’ve never worked on one before, it’s actually fairly straightforward to install and set them up. In this edition of Inside the Brands, CRP’s David Hirschhorn shares some tips that should give you more confidence when tackling your first EPS job.
The main thing to keep in mind is that you CAN do it. While there are many differences between EPS racks and the traditional hydraulic racks, as long as you follow the correct procedures in the service manual for the vehicle you’re working on, you should have no problems installing and setting up an EPS power steering rack.
In the video, Hirschhorn walks through the process of replacing the EPS rack in the Ford Transit Connect (AAE Part Number ER64203). Ford requires what’s called a PMI or “Programmable Module Installation” — basically a software reprogramming. Anyone who works on late model Fords knows this procedure well, because it has to be carried out when replacing many other modules.
The first step in the process is to try to download the as-built data from the rack you’re removing using a J2534 tool, which most shops have. If you can’t download the data due to a malfunction, you have the option to download it for free from the Motorcraft service website using the vehicle’s VIN number.
At this point, you’re free to remove the old rack and install the new one. Make sure you align the vehicle after this step to ensure the next steps work correctly. This is critical.
Now it’s time to perform the PMI. In order to do this you need a subscription from Ford for the IDS software. It’s very affordable, and you can get more information on this or other OE subscriptions that are necessary to work on late model vehicles at nastf.org.
Follow the directions on the Ford IDS software to upload the as-built data to the new rack — and you’re good to go. As with any steering system repair, we recommend a road test to make sure everything is functioning properly.
If you have a question about this video or any AAE power steering product, feel free to post it below or on the CRP Automotive Facebook page. And don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel to be among the first to hear about helpful videos like this one. Thanks for watching!
