I have a 2011 Ford Edge SE that I bought new back in February of 2011. The car has been working fantastic up until a few weeks ago when I started losing power steering assistance intermittently while pulling into a parking space. I’ve gradually noticed that the issue has been getting worse at times (backing up has been the biggest difficulty). I brought it into the dealer yesterday and they said that the power steering pump needs to be replaced. Thing that sucks is that I’m 5k miles over the standard 3 year/36,000 miles warranty, and since it’s not an electrical issue the powertrain warranty won’t pick it up. This basically is amounting to a $800 repair job according to the dealer. I have found a TSB for the power steering pump that calls for the part to be replaced and I am hoping to use that to convince them to fix it at no cost to me. I can’t recall if they had done that prior to or right after I bought the vehicle.
I have 2 questions:
Is there a general life expectancy of this component? I mean is it something that can just conk out at any point or can it last quite a while?
If the part was replaced under the TSB before I bought it is it possible that the tech that did it did something improperly so that the problem took this long to manifest itself? Something like air in the line or contaminated PS fluid?
If this repair is on you, there is no reason to pay dealership prices…Have an independent shop give you an estimate…Also, many times when a PS system gets jerky, it’s just the belt slipping not the pump failing…If the pump is driven by the serpentine belt, then belt slippage is probably not the problem…
Most cars go to their grave with their original power steering pump, replacement at 2.5 years is unusual. But know that a TSB is not a recall, it’s just an alert about a technical issue, and recommendations on how to solve it. That said, I’d ask to see the service department manager, TSB in hand, and ask for some good will help. I might get Ford customer service involved, too.
Call the Ford customer assistance number in you owners manual and explain your problem. Manufactures often provide a “goodwill” repair based on the type of repair and customer loyalty.
I believe the 2011 Ford Edge has electric assist power steering. The power steering assist motor was replaced on my 2010 Cobalt under a recall covering 2005 to 2010 Cobalts. Your problem sounds similar to what the Cobalt recall was for.
Unfortunately the power steering is not covered under Ford’s 5/60 power train warranty. However there is nothing stopping you from contacting Ford Corporate for a goodwill full or partial repair. I did not find any power steering related recalls on the NHSTA website, but I suggest you file a complaint on the site.
Sorry if I gave out incorrect information, Ford docs describe electric assist power steering but no details. Parts houses show a hydraulic pump with a pulley.
On that note, is anyone familiar with the electric power assist system? I was aware of the technology but never dealt with it and the Alldatadiy information is limited to a diagram of the location of the assist motor and the wiring diagram. I’m becoming as out of date as an elevator operator.
The power steering is hydraulic on this one. Ford has a TSB (10-21-1) to addess this issue, the fix is to replace the pump.
Some 2011 Edge and MKX vehicles may experience a reduction in power steering assist after engine start or during low speed parking maneuvers. Assist levels may return to normal after raising engine RPM and the system returns to normal function. The technician may not be able to reproduce the problem.
@tac306 The pump for this vehicle is more than a little pricey. It is $240 for a rebuilt unit from RockAuto. Sounds like the dealer is putting in a new one for $800. Pumps should last for 100,000 miles and more. Most will leak long before the pump itself fails. This is something Ford should cover for you, at least in part.