Edge sways all over the road above 70 mph.

[ibChuck]

I recently purchased a 2016 Ford Edge Sport--30k miles. I love everything about the car, but when I drive above 60mph on a straight highway and accelerate or make a sweeping turn, the car sways all over the road. Driving it feels like I'm driving in a video game at 200mph. The car just darts all over the road.

It actually feels like I'm pulling a loaded trailer and the trailer is causing the sway, or maybe as if the car has four extremely low tires causing the sway. But the car doesn't have a trailer package or a trailer hitch or low tires. The tires are Pirelli Scorpions, all same size in good condition, even wear, same amount of air, are balanced, and the alignment has been checked and is perfect. I took it to my local Ford dealer. They checked for a bad sensor and computer codes, drove it, and reported back no sensor or code issue, but that they had never encountered such a problem. Ford mentioned some very expensive thing they could try, such as changing the steering rack and changing the steering gear, but could not guarantee either one would correct the problem. I'm hoping someone in this Edge Community may have some more helpful information. Thanks!

Chuck

[benoborich]

I have had 4 Ford Edges but never experienced anything like this on any of them.  I did, however, experience something like that on a 2002 Ford Explorer that turned out to be a steering linkage component that was part of a recall.  The vehicle would wander and got worse the faster I went.  I don't recall what part it was and the linkages are probably quite different on an Edge.  Hope you get it sorted.

[circatee]

Curious, during your test drive, prior to purchase, did it do the same, or any symptoms like it? 

In the boot, is there any 'extra' weight? 

[ibChuck]

 

2 hours ago, circatee said:

Curious, during your test drive, prior to purchase, did it do the same, or any symptoms like it? 

In the boot, is there any 'extra' weight? 

Unfortunately, the Edge drove perfect during the test drive, but I never got out of the city on the test drive and never drove over sixty. In hind sight that wasn't very smart of me, but it is about an hour drive to the interstate and I wasn't that sure I was going to make the purchase. I was told by the sales person that the Ford dealership had checked it out from top to bottom and found no problems. In answer to your question, the boot looks normal with no extra weight. My Ford tech is trying to get some feedback from one of Ford's national techs, but nothing so far. Thanks for your input.

 

Chuck

[ibChuck]

4 hours ago, benoborich said:

I have had 4 Ford Edges but never experienced anything like this on any of them.  I did, however, experience something like that on a 2002 Ford Explorer that turned out to be a steering linkage component that was part of a recall.  The vehicle would wander and got worse the faster I went.  I don't recall what part it was and the linkages are probably quite different on an Edge.  Hope you get it sorted.

The Ford dealership said they had never had a car do that. It is like driving directly into a strong headwind at sixty mph---the car just darts about. Hopefully someone else has encountered this issue or knows someone who has. Ford said all the steering components checked out good. My Ford tech is conferring with the national techs but has not learned anything so far. Thanks for reply.

Chuck

[1004ron]

5 hours ago, ibChuck said:

I recently purchased a 2016 Ford Edge Sport--30k miles.

How recently?

 

Give it back to the seller.

[ibChuck]

On 4/3/2021 at 8:04 PM, 1004ron said:

How recently?

 

Give it back to the seller.

I purchased the car mid November of 2020. It was purchased with no warranty, I'm quite sure they knew it had a problem--no proof.  But I'm also quite sure they would not take it back. Otherwise that would be a good solution. Thanks for the thought.

Chuck

[1004ron]

On 4/3/2021 at 8:53 PM, ibChuck said:

The Ford dealership said they had never had a car do that. It is like driving directly into a strong headwind at sixty mph---the car just darts about. Hopefully someone else has encountered this issue or knows someone who has. Ford said all the steering components checked out good. My Ford tech is conferring with the national techs but has not learned anything so far. Thanks for reply.

Chuck

If the dealership has driven it and experienced what you're describing I'm surprised that they were unable to diagnose it - I would take it to another dealership.

[enigma-2]

You make it sound exactly as if the tires are over inflated (but your tires are at 35 psi, so that can't be it). 

   Because it's speed sensitive (and torque sensitive (turns)), and service has checked everything else, I'd question the front wheel bearings.

[ibChuck]

22 hours ago, enigma-2 said:

You make it sound exactly as if the tires are over inflated (but your tires are at 35 psi, so that can't be it). 

   Because it's speed sensitive (and torque sensitive (turns)), and service has checked everything else, I'd question the front wheel bearings.

I appreciate your input. The tires are all adjusted to 35psi. I have not heard wheel bearing mentioned, I will have them checked. Thanks.

[Sal11]

Same thing happens to me, trying to figure it out.  I am changing the sway bar links and the torque strut hoping that’s it.

[ibChuck]

I know misery does not actually love company, but now I know that I'm neither crazy nor the unluckiest guy in the world. Finding out there are other Ford Edges that want

to wobble all over the road, especially in turns. Ford had my Edge in their shop a couple times and could not figure it out. Ford thought maybe the steering gear was the problem. They put a new steering gear in. That did nothing toward fixing the problem. Next they wanted to change the steering force module in the steering

column, but couldn't guarantee that would correct the problem either. Because it felt to me that it could be a tire or rim problem, I asked the Ford tech if he would take a set of rims and tires off another Ford Edge and see what 

that does. He had a used 2020 Edge with basic trim on the lot,  but not an Edge Sport. HIs Edge had 18" rims and tires and was not equipped with the feature that required a steering force module. The different 18 inch rims and higher profile tires somehow corrected my problem. As odd as it seems, the used Edge that my 21 inch rims and tires went on, without the steering force module, incurred absolutely no problems. It actually handled better than ever. The Ford tech thought the steering force module caused my car to be more sensitive with the low profile tires. The 18 inch rims with the higher profile tires were newer and rode much better, so I reluctantly traded my 21 inch rims and tires for the 18 inch rims and tires. All this is to say, I don't know if the car actually has a problem, or if it does have a problem what it would take to correct it. My fear is that when these newer tires get halfway worn out, the problem may resurface. I suspect Ford will want to change the steering force module if the problem does comes back. Ford supposedly inquired up the line of their national techs concerning my problem to see if anyone else had this complaint. The national techs said no, never had this problem.

 

I purchased my Edge Sport used, and because of the way it was loaded with accessories, I also purchased a warranty from Ford. So, fortunately I'm not stuck paying

for this experimentation.  I really like the car in all other areas, but this handling issue sucks. Sorry I could not be of more help.

 

jdtcmoore@cox.net
 

[fariseo]

Hello. I suggest you check the bushing of the rear forks. I had a similar problem until I got tired of looking ahead, but incredibly the problem was in the back of the vehicle. Check the rear bushings, the tires were very worn.
Sorry for my English.

Edited August 6, 2021 by 1004ron
No need for LARGE Font

[ibChuck]

Thank you,

I'll have that looked at.  My tires are not brand new but also not very old. I have not noticed any abnormal tire ware so far. Thanks again.

[enigma-2]

What kind tires are on the car?

[Sal11]

Cooper STX,  getting rid of them first chance

[ibChuck]

When I purchased my Edge it had OEM Parelli Scorpions. I saw on the vehicle history report, the original tires Parelli Scorpions tires were replaced at 20,000 miles with 4 new Parelli Scorpions. I purchased the car with 30,000 miles. I assume the original owner was trying to fix the handling issue also, but new tires did not correct the problem. I now have Kelly Edge 18 inch tires and rims and the problem is 95% better. The Ford tech said that my 21 inch rims tested out perfect, but I did not want to risk buying another set of 21inch tires and possible still have the same problem. I switched tires and rims with the tech.

[Sal11]

Thanks for your reply, switched my sway bar links seemed to help a lot.  Thanks 

[schareco5]

OK people, i bought a loaded brand new '22 Ford Edge ST.  The car is awesome but i agree with this post, there is something very wrong with the steering.  My steering wheel just doesn't control the car very well when doing any decent speed on the highway.  This doesn't happen all the time.  Last night i was in terrible rain and i honestly had to drive super slow to stay alive. Many cars were flying by me with no stability issue. I'm not bothering to take it into the dealer because i don't believe they will find anything wrong.  I'm just gonna ride it out for another 15 months, which is what is left on my lease. 

[enigma-2]

As the car is fairly new, I wouldn't suspect the usual suspects, excessive caster, loose or worn steering linkages, or worn steering gears. So start with the basics.

 

Excessive tire pressure will cause the condition you describe. Verify the tire pressure is no more than what's posted on the sticker on the door jamb.

 

Another possibility for a car this age, could be worn tires. Without sufficient tread, the car will wander and hydroplane on wet payment. What are the condition of the tire tread?

 

Are these the original tires and has the car always wondered?

 

 

 

Edited August 19 by enigma-2

[Haz]

Welcome to the Forum @schareco5!

 

Because you describe your Edge's steering wheel as not controlling your vehicle, the following is a description of the Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system from the 2022-2024 Edge Workshop Manual...

 

Placing your device cursor over the underlined acronyms may yield full-words descriptions of the acronyms.

 

Power Steering - System Operation and Component Description

System Operation

System Diagram

Network Message Chart

 

Module Network Input Messages: Power Steering Control Module (PSCM)

 

Broadcast Message	Originating  Module	Message Purpose
ABS active	ABS	Used to confirm that the ABS is operational.
Power mode	BCM	Used to confirm the ignition status of the vehicle.
Stability control brake active	ABS	Used to confirm the operational state of the stability control system.
Steering angle counter	SASM	Used to verify the validity of the steering angle message.
Steering angle status	SASM	Used to confirm the steering angle sensor is initialized and operating correctly.
Steering wheel direction of rotation	SASM	Used to confirm the direction in which the EPAS motor is driven.
Traction control brake active	ABS	Used to confirm the operational state of the traction control system.
Transport mode	BCM	Used to confirm the vehicle is in normal operation mode, factory mode, transport mode or a crash event has been identified and the vehicle has been set to a post crash configuration.
Vehicle configuration/information	ABS	Used to compare the PSCM configuration against the vehicles specific configuration (central car configuration).
Vehicle speed	ABS	Used to determine the level of assist supplied.
Wheel speed data	ABS	Used to validate the steering wheel component angle by comparing the rotational speeds of each wheel. The difference in the speed of each wheel is used to derive a steering angle for comparison against the absolute steering angle message from the SASM .

EPAS System

The PSCM controls the functions of the EPAS system and communicates with other modules over the HS-CAN2 .

 

To activate, the EPAS system needs to be connected to battery voltage at the hot at all times input and at the ignition-run input to the PSCM . In addition, the system must communicate with other modules over the HS-CAN2 . The PSCM must receive the power mode signal from the BCM in order to be set into operation mode.

 

The main input for calculating the level of EPAS assist is the steering torque sensor signal. Vehicle speed is also taken into consideration in order to achieve the vehicle speed dependent steering assist characteristic.

 

The EPAS gear uses a reversible motor to apply the steering assist. The motor is connected to the rack of the steering gear by a toothed belt and pulley-bearing assembly.

 

The motor is used by the PSCM to move the rack inside the steering gear housing.

 

The PSCM continually monitors and adjusts steering efforts based on the steering torque sensor signal, motor position and HS-CAN2 inputs to enhance the feel of the steering system. As vehicle speed increases, the amount of assist decreases to improve and enhance road feel at the steering wheel. As vehicle speed decreases, the amount of assist increases to ease vehicle maneuvering. Compensation is made to reduce the effect of pull or drift that can be experienced when driving on roads with a high degree of camber. Also compensation for the impact of wheel imbalance on steering feel is made up to a predetermined threshold.

 

The steering torque sensor senses the torque at the steering wheel. It is integrated into the PSCM and works by measuring the relative rotation between an input and output shaft which are connected by a torsion bar. The steering torque sensor sends out 2 PWM signals which allows a channel to channel cross-check and an accurate correction of the neutral point.

 

The PSCM is self-monitoring and is capable of setting and storing Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). Depending on the DTC set, the PSCM may enter a failure mode. In addition, the PSCM may send a request to the IPC to display a message in the message center, alerting the driver of a potential EPAS concern. The warning message is sent over the HS-CAN2 to the GWM where it is converted to a HS-CAN3 message and forwarded on to the IPC over the HS-CAN3 .

 

Failure Modes

When a DTC is present in the PSCM , the EPAS enters 1 of 2 modes of operation.

 

The EPAS system enters a reduced steering assist mode to protect the internal components of the EPAS system when a concern is detected by the PSCM such as low or high battery voltage or over-temperature concerns not considered to be a critical safety concern. This reduced steering assist mode gives the steering a heavier than normal feel.

 

The EPAS system enters a manual steering mode (no electrical steering assistance is provided) when a concern considered to be a critical safety concern is detected. In manual steering mode, the vehicle has mechanical steering operation only, which gives steering operation a heavy feel.

 

There are 3 failure strategies used by the PSCM for determining failure modes. The first strategy is limp home; when the PSCM detects a fault requiring the EPAS to switch to a failure mode, the PSCM calculates a "safe" level of torque assist and provides this assist until the ignition is cycled. If the fault remains during the next ignition cycle, the PSCM switches to manual steering mode until the fault is repaired. If the fault is not present during the next ignition cycle, the PSCM resumes normal operation and steering assist.

 

The next strategy is limp aside; similar to the limp home strategy except the limp aside strategy can recover normal steering assist during the same ignition cycle if the fault is no longer present or the ignition is cycled. If the fault is still present, the PSCM switches to manual steering mode until the fault is repaired.

 

The last strategy is ramp down; the PSCM uses all the various inputs to calculate a torque output command to provide steering assist, if the module cannot calculate this output, it uses the last known good torque command to provide steering assist until the PSCM completely removes assist and switches to manual steering mode until the fault is repaired.

 

Component Description

EPAS Steering Gear

The EPAS gear is an assembly that consists of a PSCM , a motor, and a steering torque sensor, all of which are serviced as an assembly. The inner and outer tie rods and the gear bellows boots are available for service.

• The steering torque sensor is mounted near the input shaft of the EPAS gear and is used by the PSCM to determine how much force is being used to turn the steering wheel.
• The EPAS gear has one inner tie rod located at each end of the gear assembly and is available separately for service.
• The EPAS gear has one outer tie rod located at each end of the gear assembly and is available separately for service.
• The EPAS gear has one bellows boot located at each side of the EPAS gear assembly. Each boot is held in place with 2 boot clamps. The boots and clamps are available for service.

PSCM

The PSCM is the ECU for the EPAS system. The module monitors all sensor inputs and HS-CAN2 messages that relate to the EPAS system and directly controls the output of the EPAS motor.

 

 

Attached below as PDF documents are three Diagnostic Pinpoint Tests used by dealership Service Technicians. Each provides step-by-step guidance toward analyzing the kinds of symptoms you describe. You may be able to address some portion of the evaluation yourself.

 

If you have not already, it may be useful to have your Edge scanned for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), which can provide fuller guidance toward resolving any contributing issues. Typically, nationwide-brand auto parts stores will perform electronic module scans. If you choose to do this, document the scanner results by taking smartphone photos of the found DTC descriptions displayed on the scanner and feel free to report them out here.

 

Good luck!

 

Power Steering - System Operation and Component Description - 2022-2024 Edge Workshop Manual.pdf Diagnostic Pinpoint Test ''B'' - Unable To Replicate Customer's Intermittent Assist Concern During A Test Drive - 2022-2024 Edge Workshop Manual.pdf Diagnostic Pinpoint Test ''G'' - Steering Sytem Pull, Drift Or Wander - 2022-2024 Edge Workshop Manual.pdf Diagnostic Pinpoint Test ''F'' - Excessive Wheel Play - 2022-2024 Edge Workshop Manual.pdf

Edited August 21 by Haz

[enigma-2]

Are you saying that the cars electronics can cause wander?

 

Now that's some scarry shi... stuff.

 

That a computer can change the steering on a whim. (Or a voltage spike.) 

[garycrist]

Yes on a whim or a lost "bit". No wonder MS Windows is not in the Cockpit.

[garycrist]

In reading the above scenario with the 22 ST, (I have one too) if he did a quick maneuver,

and a transient fault happened (no DTC set) the input could have been changed to last

good known or his quick response. Until the system quits being stupid and go back to "normal",

his inputs will be magnified.

 

I love the steering in the 22 ST as it is more responsive than our 08 Edge.

[Haz]

Edge / MKX / Nautilus models ARE NOT INVOLVED in this Advance Notice Safety Recall...

 

 

@enigma-2: The answer to your question...