Is there a known problem with 2011 Edge's power steering?

[trockli]

I have not driven our 2011 Ford Edge for a while. Did today and was surprised how heavy the steering is.

Is there a known power steering issue with the 2011 Edge?

[WWWPerfA_ZN0W]

No known issues. But if there is a leak in the lines, fluid could be low. Check the reservoir fluid level, top off as needed, and check underneath for leaks.

 

How long is "a while"?

[trockli]

I just checked the level. Looking at the tank lines maybe 1/8" below the min line. I am assuming this is not low enough to explain it.

A while is 6+ months.

[WWWPerfA_ZN0W]

That would be long enough to "lose touch" with the feel of the Edge steering. Some vehicles have more assist than others, and when I first started driving mine, it took me a while to get used to it.

 

That aside, did the fluid look clean, didn't smell burnt, etc.? If that is good also, then maybe the feel will loosen up with some drive time. Cars really don't like being stored for long periods of time. They have to be exercised regularly to "stay in shape".

[macbwt]

Sitting that long things get seated in and have to be worked free again. No whirring sounds etc. then you just need to use the Edge. Sitting and not running will ruin any vehicle.

[trockli]

For clarification: I did not drive the car for 6 months. However, the car was driven daily by somebody else in the family.

[WWWPerfA_ZN0W]

Gotcha. Do they also feel the steering effort is high? Any other issues noted?

[omar302]

What were you driving during those 6 months? If it's a car with very light steering feel,then you'll definitely feel the difference.

[trockli]

they did not complain. But when I asked about it they thought the same, just did not mention it. Might have been a gradual decline.

I do recall that when we got the car new we had to bring it in almost immediately for a steering issue. Need to figure out what it was.

 

Is there a service interval on steering fluid?

 

I checked the fluid one more time. No burnt smell that I can tell. Fluid is brownish, slightly to the red.

[trockli]

all kinds - lots of rentals (including a Ford Edge..)

[WWWPerfA_ZN0W]

I would first exchange out the power steering fluid with good fluid. I know macbwt used Mercon LV in his 2011, but the spec is still Mercon V. Your choice.

 

All you need is a turkey baster, a used oil receptacle, and at least 1 quart (pref 2) of Mercon V. Suction out the old fluid (engine off). Do not take out so much fluid you cannot see it in the bottom of the reservoir anymore. After filling the new fluid to the FULL mark, turn the engine on and work the steering wheel lock to lock a few times. Then repeat the process a couple more times. Should be good after that. Let's see if it makes a difference, I think it should.

[omar302]

Most cars have a lighter steering than the Edge's, specifically the 2011-2014 Edge. The 2015-2016 Edge switched to an electric assisted steering that has a lighter feel.

[enigma-2]

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."

[trockli]

I changed a quart of the fluid. Fluid started to look pretty good. Unfortunately, no change to report.

I suppose I can check with putting the car in neutral and rev it to test?

Does the dealer have a test procedure?

[omar302]

Also check that the front tires are at the recommended tire pressure, 35 psi. being low could increase the steering feel, but you'd also get the low tire pressure warning. Just a thought.

[trockli]

I checked my records. We got the steering pump replaced only after 6000 miles for a similar reason. Not sure what to make out of this....

[Tim kro.]

What about a 2011 edge that the steering effort changes when the traction control is on