[5.0_stang]

Hi all,

So I have been all over the net, spent over a year and $$$ trying to figure out this steering vibration issue. I have been to the dealer who said "that's just the nature of the steering on these cars." dissapointed.gif angrymob2.gif

Been through 3 sets of rims AND tires, different suspension components, ROAD force and other balances..labor blah blah...It was driving me nuts.. especially considering some of the rims and tires proved not perfect and confused the issue. az.gif (see bottom if u just want the answer)

I was ready to put the car up for sale. I would have paid someone $200 for the answer. I was going to set up a web site and try to recoup some of my money! lol.. facepalm2.gif but after asking some opinions, decided to just up and post the answer.. after all that's what the forums are for, helping others out. :handshake

There was /is a lot of conjecture on the net but I believe I HAVE the answer that looks to be what our collective issue is. My first clue was the dude on the net that put in poly bushings and his steering went poltergeist on him. I didnt have poly bushings but my steering had very similar behavior his did, just less dramatic. ditto.gif
I then read "epinions" on the EPAS rack and pinion software. Some folks were thinking it was this and that the post 2011 racks software was dumbed down. I bought a 2012 rack but it didnt seem to completely get rid of the behavior. This was disappointing. enough.gif

So I said, time to get rid of the car. After looking at the options ,I was going to lose $ on the car and the cars I liked, like the challenger were slower and sucked more gas. So I took one more shot and bought the 2013 Boss rack with the EPAS software turned off. Guess what NO MORE VIBRATION STEERING. :surprised Keeping the car.

!!Of course this is my opinion and I CANNOT guarantee results but this worked for me when nothing else did.

Ford Racing Boss 302R Electric Steering Rack M-3200-EPAS

It is my opinion that some or all the 2011-2014 GT steering racks (software) are so sensitive to ANY imperfections in the cars brakes, wheels, tires, suspension, etc...that they vibrate. And WORSE in sport mode. My steering no longer shakes in ANY mode. Please post if you have this experience and or try this fix. Best of luck.

 

[BLK 5.0]

Just curious, what is the build date of your car? I wonder if the problem is with the early build 2011's.

 

[Kewball012]

My 2011 v6 had issues and the track error light did turn on and the dealer here just replaced my steering gear and it was fixed. Its now sold though

 

[SquidBillyPaul]

No problems here. coolbeans.gif
My build date: 6-26-13

 

[jbt56]

This thread is the first I've heard of this, and I've had my '11 for four years and two weeks.

It's cool that you got your car fixed, but it doesn't sound like a terribly common problem.

 

[csamsh]

Yep...that Ford Racing rack is the fix. Sometimes when you upset what the stock rack has "learned" it goes into something like a feedback loop (or so I imagine) and there's nothing you can do to fix it apart from getting the new rack.

Just be glad you weren't trying to find one in 2012. They were unobtanium then.

 

[blu13gt]

What I don't understand is why the stock rack can't be reflashed to original programming or to te boss rack programming. Seems strange that the transmission and engine can be reflashed but nobody can crack the code for these steering units.
Besides that. Why in the world would ford program in all that nonsense in the first place. What is the point?

 

[cpembach1]

Wait, I was of the impression that a 2013-2014 model rack would fix it. I can get one for roughly $400, and I don't want to pay twice or three times as much for the same rack with a different program.

 

[5.0 Coyote]

My 2011 GT is an early build 4/26/10 no problems smooth as silk going down the road.

 

[cpembach1]

I do not think it rears its ugly head until you increase wheel/tire size and/or stiffen the suspension. I have a bump steer kit and I am lowered as well with cc plates. You have to turn AdvanceTrac completely off as well, which is the only way you can hoon the car anyways...

 

[captzero]

I have an early build AUG 2010 and delivered to me in October 2010 as a 2011 GT Premi glass roof.
In sport mode around town there is no noticeable wheel shake. At 60 plus on the highway in sport mode there is very noticeable shake.
I just put it back in nanny mode and all is well.

 

[csamsh]

Wait, I was of the impression that a 2013-2014 model rack would fix it. I can get one for roughly $400, and I don't want to pay twice or three times as much for the same rack with a different program.

It should fix it. But, in 2012, you couldn't get a 13 rack.

What I don't understand is why the stock rack can't be reflashed to original programming or to te boss rack programming. Seems strange that the transmission and engine can be reflashed but nobody can crack the code for these steering units.
Besides that. Why in the world would ford program in all that nonsense in the first place. What is the point?

It can't because Ford won't do it. They programmed it for "anti nibble" or some such. They did away with that programming though...I guess the realized it was stupid.

 

[5.0_stang]

Build date 10/10. I have seen 2013's post the same issue so I avoided those racks.

 

[cpembach1]

It should fix it. But, in 2012, you couldn't get a 13 rack.







It can't because Ford won't do it. They programmed it for "anti nibble" or some such. They did away with that programming though...I guess the realized it was stupid.

Okay, so to verify, a rack from a 2013 or 2014 would guaranteed work? Or at least they should have the updated less sensitive software?

 

[csamsh]

Okay, so to verify, a rack from a 2013 or 2014 would guaranteed work? Or at least they should have the updated less sensitive software?

Supposedly. I haven't verified that with independent testing however.

A certain well respected vendor (won't name names as to not misquote anyone) has reported many EPAS failures on 2011 cars, and none on 2013's.

 

[worldfamousz]

Just curious, what is the build date of your car? I wonder if the problem is with the early build 2011's.

Mine is an early 2013 Boss 302, I am experiencing the same issues.

can't afford to replace the rack, nor do I feel that I should have to, no car should have issues like this from the get go

 

[T3RM1N8R]

OP this part retails for 1k!? facepalm2.gif

 

[5.0_stang]

OP this part retails for 1k!? facepalm2.gif

I hear ya. All I can tell you is, it was worth it to me considering I HATED driving the car like I was in a washing machine. Or cringing whenever I got to 65 mph and "Ford" didnt care.

I saved $100 - bought mine from a co called "Butler MacMaster Performance" - I think in New England - for $900 shipped. I WONDER if they actually get the parts from Ford and build it themselves? Does anyone know? If so, they did a GREAT job and were very friendly to boot.

So anyway, this is a specific part. I do not know if it is exactly what comes with the Boss Mustangs or a variation. All I know is problem solved and it was the POS EPAS software that caused it.az.gif I am pretty sure it is also the same rack model # that the auto-crosser guy with the poltergeist steering used to solve his issue after installing harder bushings.

Here's one of the threads that gave me a clue:
http://www.allfordmustangs.com/foru...ech/536530-boss-302r-steering-rack-m-3200-epas-road-feel-feedback-question.html

Ford racing claims its the "race car" "R" steering so may be different from a factory Boss...

 

[T3RM1N8R]

Allot of guys said they had results from simply disabling the EPAS... and they didnt have to replace the entire rack?

 

[Arnie Anderson]

Allot of guys said they had results from simply disabling the EPAS... and they didnt have to replace the entire rack?

How do you disable the EPAS. I want to change the front lower control arm bushings to poly bushings, but held off because of the problems with the steering.