Power Steering Problem Ford Escape!

[Larry]

Intermittent power steeringmf failure, and requires restart to re-engage power steering. It also has a little shimmy in the steering wheel at idle. It’s a 2008 Ford Escape 2.3L (2WD)

The steering loss just started happening. You have to restart the car to get the pwr steering to re-engage. I’ve heard things from a bad steering wheel sensor, to a bad rack-n-pinion.

Any one have this issue, and if so what was your end fix?

Thank you

Larry

Topic

[Dave]

I had that exact same issue with my 97 Lincoln Continental. I found the problem to be The alternator was not putting out enough juice to run everything. It started and ran just fine but as you stated the power steering would randomly shut off. I changed it and there were no problems after that.

[Larry]

Interesting! Did you have a noticeable shake in the steering wheel?

[Dave]

Not that I noticed but your shake may be some separate issue.

[EricTheCarGuy]

I looked up the part and it looks like a hydraulic rack. If that’s the case, it could just be a loose belt or low fluid. Check the belt tension and the fluid level. If the belt is loose, it could be a tensioner problem.

If I’m completely wrong about it being a hydraulic rack, then it may be an issue with the rack itself or it’s sensors.

This may help if it’s a belt issue.

Keep us posted.

[Bill]

The first thing to do is scan or have the body computer scanned for fault codes and to read steering sensor values while it’s working and when the assist fails to begin a diagnosis. Low battery voltage is one reason that it might fail.

[Author]

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