Molly Ayala
Electric power steering systems use electric motors to assist the driver in steering the vehicle, as opposed to hydraulic systems. Ford Motor Company began using electronic ignitions in 1973, and in 1965, Ford experimented with a fleet of wrist-twist instant steering equipped Mercury Park Lanes, which replaced the conventional large steering wheel with two 5-inch rings. In 2008, Ford announced its intention to apply electric power steering systems to almost all of its vehicles by 2012, with the first Ford vehicles equipped with EPS being the 2008 Escape and Mariner twins.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year Ford started making electric steering | 2008 |
| First Ford vehicles with electric steering | 2008 Escape and Mariner twins |
| Year Ford aimed to fit 80-90% of its vehicles with electric steering | 2012 |
| Ford vehicles with electric steering by 2009 | Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln MKZ |
| Ford vehicles with electric steering by 2011 | F-150 |
| Ford vehicles recalled due to issues with electric steering | 2016-2017 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, 2016-2018 F-150 |
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What You'll Learn
- Ford's 2014 F150 model used electric power steering
- Ford's 2011 F-150 model was the first full-size pickup with standard electric power steering
- Ford Escape, Mariner, and their hybrids were the first models with EPS in 2008
- Ford's 2009 Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Lincoln MKZ models also had EPS
- Ford's electric power steering plans for 2012
Ford's 2014 F150 model used electric power steering
Ford Motor Company first experimented with electric power steering in 1965, with a fleet of Mercury Park Lanes that replaced the conventional large steering wheel with two 5-inch rings, a fast 15:1 gear ratio, and an electric hydraulic pump in case the engine stalled.
In 2011, Ford introduced electric power steering as a standard feature in the F-150, making it the first full-size pickup truck with this feature. The 2013 and 2014 Ford F-150 models were equipped with an Electronic Power Assist Steering system (EPAS) that was used across much of the Ford corporate lineup.
The EPAS system in the 2014 F-150 offered several advantages over traditional hydraulic power steering. Firstly, it did not use power from the engine since it was powered by the car's electrical system. Secondly, it did not require power steering fluid, reducing the number of fluids in the vehicle. The electric power steering system is also more fuel-efficient and works more efficiently than hydraulic systems.
However, there were some issues with the EPAS setup in the 2014 F-150. It was found that a batch of pickups had an incorrectly constructed EPAS system supplied by a third-party manufacturer. This led to power steering faults and the need for electronic steering rack replacements. Despite these issues, the F-150 with electric power steering contributed to the F-Series being established as the nation's best-selling vehicle in 1989.
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Ford's 2011 F-150 model was the first full-size pickup with standard electric power steering
Ford Motor Company, commonly known as Ford, has a long history of innovation in the automotive industry. In 2011, Ford introduced a significant advancement to its popular F-150 model, making it the first full-size pickup truck to be equipped with standard electric power steering. This groundbreaking feature marked a departure from the conventional hydraulic-assisted turning system, offering improved fuel efficiency and performance.
The 2011 Ford F-150's electric power steering, also known as Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS) or Electronic Power Steering (EPS), provided several advantages over traditional hydraulic steering. Firstly, it eliminated the need for a hydraulic pump, which contributed to improved fuel economy. According to reports, the EPS system could reduce fuel consumption by up to four percent compared to hydraulic steering. This improvement aligned with Ford's focus on enhancing the fuel economy of its F-150 model during that time.
The electric power steering system in the 2011 F-150 offered a more efficient and responsive steering experience. Unlike hydraulic steering, which constantly draws power, the EPS system only required power during actual steering maneuvers. This feature not only improved fuel efficiency but also provided a more direct and precise steering feel. The elimination of hydraulic steering fluid and hoses further simplified maintenance and reduced potential leaks.
The introduction of electric power steering in the 2011 Ford F-150 was a notable milestone. However, it is important to note that Ford had experimented with electric steering systems in the past. Prior to the F-150, Ford had implemented EPS in smaller cars and crossovers, as well as in some of its other vehicle models. Additionally, power steering itself had been introduced as an option in the F-100 as early as 1953, showcasing Ford's ongoing commitment to innovation and improving the driving experience.
In conclusion, the 2011 Ford F-150 model stood out as a pioneering vehicle, being the first full-size pickup to feature standard electric power steering. This advancement offered enhanced fuel efficiency, responsiveness, and maintenance benefits. While Ford had previously explored electric steering and power steering options, the F-150's integration of EPS as a standard feature solidified its position as a leader in automotive technology and performance.
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Ford Escape, Mariner, and their hybrids were the first models with EPS in 2008
Ford Motor Company introduced electric power steering (EPS) to its lineup in 2008 with the Ford Escape and its Mercury Mariner sibling. These were the first vehicles to feature Ford's pull-drift steering mode, made possible by software control of the EPS system. The 2008 Escape and Mariner were also the first Ford vehicles to receive the Electronic Stability Control system as standard.
The Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner were unveiled at the 2008 Washington Auto Show, with the Escape sporting a 2.5-liter engine and 6-speed automatic transmission, improving fuel economy and increasing power to 170 hp. The Escape and Mariner shared the new 3.0-liter Duratec V6 engine, which produced 240 hp. This engine also served as the basis for Ford's hybrid models, including the Escape Hybrid and Mariner Hybrid.
The 2008 model year saw updates to the Escape and Mariner to remain competitive against rivals such as the Toyota RAV4 and Honda Element. These updates included styling cues from other Ford models, such as the Explorer, Edge, and Expedition, resulting in a new grille with larger headlamps and revised sides with rounder wheel arches. The interior was also upgraded with higher-quality materials to address criticisms of the previous generation.
The Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner Hybrids were launched earlier in 2004 as the first hybrid SUV in the market, with the Mariner Hybrid arriving in 2006. These hybrid models offered a "full" hybrid electric system, capable of switching between pure electric power, gasoline engine power, or a combination of both. The Escape Hybrid's system was considered one of the most advanced in the market in 2006.
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Ford's 2009 Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Lincoln MKZ models also had EPS
Electric power steering (EPS) is more efficient than hydraulic power steering as it doesn't draw power from the engine, and it reduces the weight and improves the fuel economy of the vehicle. Ford Motor Company began using electronic ignitions in 1973 with the Duraspark electronic ignition system.
Ford introduced electric power steering to its F-150 model in 2011, and the feature is available in 18 versions of the Ford Freestyle. The 2014 Ford F150 is equipped with an Electronic Power Assist Steering system (EPAS) that is used across much of the Ford corporate lineup.
Fords 2009 Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Lincoln MKZ models also had EPS. The power steering rack and pinion assembly can be purchased from Amazon and other third-party vendors. The assembly is designed for the 2010-2012 Ford Fusion, 2011-2012 Lincoln MKZ, and 2010-2011 Mercury Milan models. The kit includes a complete electric steering rack and pinion assembly, with new oil and lip seals installed to ensure quality performance.
However, some customers have reported issues with the part. One customer reported that the part would not work with their car, even after taking it to a Ford dealer. Another customer had a similar issue, stating that the part could not be programmed to their car. It is important to note that these parts are remanufactured and may not work with all vehicles, even if they are advertised as fitting the specific model.
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Ford's electric power steering plans for 2012
In 2008, Ford announced its intention to fit 80 to 90 percent of its Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury products with electric power steering (EPS) systems by 2012. The company aimed to improve the overall fuel economy, performance, and reliability of its lineup with this transition.
The first Ford vehicles to be equipped with EPS were the 2008 Escape and Mariner twins, including their respective hybrid models. The 2009 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Lincoln MKZ also featured EPS, with other vehicles, such as the Ford Mustang, Ford Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator, following suit over the next three years.
By 2011, Ford had introduced electric power steering to its F-150 model, making it the first full-size pickup truck with standard electric power steering instead of conventional hydraulic-assisted turning. This was a significant milestone as the F-150 was the best-selling vehicle in the world at the time.
Ford's electric power steering system, known as EPAS or EPS, offered several advantages over traditional hydraulic systems. It improved fuel economy by eliminating the losses associated with operating a hydraulic pump and provided a more customizable driving experience. Additionally, EPS systems are more compact, quieter, and environmentally friendly due to the elimination of hydraulic fluid.
While Ford had initially planned for a widespread rollout of EPS by 2012, some Ford vehicles, such as the F-150, only began offering electric power steering as an option in 2011. This gradual transition towards electric power steering continued beyond 2012, with Ford recalling certain 2016-2017 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator models, as well as 2016-2018 F-150 vehicles, for issues related to brake fluid leaking into the brake booster.
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Frequently asked questions
Ford first experimented with electric steering in 1965 with a fleet of "wrist-twist instant steering" Mercury Park Lanes. The first Ford vehicles to be equipped with electric power steering (EPS) were the 2008 Escape and Mariner twins.
Electric power steering provides greater packaging flexibility in the engine compartment as it does not draw power from the engine. It also improves fuel economy and reduces CO2 emissions by around 3.5%.
Volkswagen, Audi, Peugeot, Citroën, SEAT, Škoda, Suzuki, Opel, MINI, Toyota, Honda, and Mazda all use electro-hydraulic power steering systems in some of their vehicles.
Electric power steering uses an electric motor to assist the driver, whereas hydraulic power steering uses pumps and pistons. Electric power steering is more efficient as it only draws power when needed.
