2013 EcoBoost MKS. 140k miles. Steering locks up after sitting a few days. Front suspension does need work. No codes.

[93rev2sev]

several months ago, I switched to my other MKS as my daily driver because I was hearing squeaks and creeks. After having sat for a few days, I went to move it and the steering was locked. Wheel would not move. I wiggled it back and forth for about 30 seconds and it freed up. Drove it around a few miles and it was fine...still lots of squeaks and creaks. A week later...same thing.

It seems like a mechanical binding of some sort. I've got a RockAuto cart filled with control arms, outer tie rod ends, and stabilizer bar links.

Wondering if this could be a steering shaft issue or rack issue.

Has anyone else experienced this type of steering lock up?

 

[kryptto]

the power assist can start to go and cause that issue as its starting to go. replace power assist steering and worn parts. It should be getting a code is my best guess at least something stored. my guess onces its working it clears.

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www.mevotech.com

 

[SHOrod]

The power steering on these is electric assist. Since you mention this seems to happen after sitting a few days, the first thing I'd check is the condition of the battery. These cars are quite sensitive to having healthy batteries, and if the battery is around 3 years old or older, it's probably due to be replaced anyway.

-Rod

 

[kryptto]

The power steering on these is electric assist. Since you mention this seems to happen after sitting a few days, the first thing I'd check is the condition of the battery. These cars are quite sensitive to having healthy batteries, and if the battery is around 3 years old or older, it's probably due to be replaced anyway.

-Rod

Great point too

 

[SHOdded]

EPAS has its bits of failure on every model line, the usual fix being replacement of the rack. there may have been a recall for bolt corrosion as well.

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2015/RCORRD-15V340-5821.pdf

NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000
Manufacturer Ford Motor Company
Components STEERING
Potential Number of Units Affected 393,623

Summary

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford Fusion vehicles without a 3.5L engine and Lincoln MKZ hybrid electric vehicles, 2011 Mercury Milan vehicles, 2011-2012 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine and 2013 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with any available engine. The affected vehicles have electric power steering assist systems that may shut down as a result of a steering motor sensor fault.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC). If dealers find any loss of steering assist DTCs, the steering gear will be replaced, free of charge. If, no codes are found during the PSCM inspection, the PSCM software will be updated, free of charge. The recall began on July 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S18.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.