S197: EPS Conversion Steering Play/Slop

[Datsun40146]

Good day everyone,
I've been fighting steering play on my 05' Mustang for a while.
Throughout the steering range, not just on center the car has about an inch of total free play in the steering.

In an attempt to correct and replace worn components the follow measures were taken

The entire front and rear suspension is new GT500 or Ford Performance parts. Shocks, sways, FCA, etc etc,

Inner and outer tie rods are new as are the ball joints.

The steering column shaft was replaced in its entirety with a solid Borgenson unit from LMR. So it's right and there is no bushing any longer. The bolts are in the correct direction.

I've had my partner move the steering wheel and the movement is 100% going into the rack. It's just not moving the tie rods. I have no idea what's left? I assume at this point it has the be the rack.

The OEM hydraulic rack and pump were removed and replaced with a used EPS rack with a Wireeverything harness. Sport mode is selected all the time. The problem persists in all modes regardless.

To that end, there is a epoxy covered preload adjustment on the Mustang EPS rack. I checked it, adjusted it tighter and adjusted it back. (See the image if you want to know where that's at) The wheel wouldn't recenter on its own when it's too tight. So, the preload I don't thinks the issue. Even with it cranked down the play was still there.

I can't believe this amount of slop is normal. Can anyone suggest anything else to try?

Video of steering play

 

[Datsun40146]

Just a follow up before I buy a new Boss 302 rack, can anyone confirm or provide any information on something else to check?

 

[05stroker]

Just a shot in the dark here, but is the bolt tight on the linkage from the steering column to the EPAS?

And you have confirmed that the slot is in the EPAS unit?

 

[JC SSP]

I don’ have EPS but why would a Boss 302 rack fix your problem?

 

[Datsun40146]

Just a shot in the dark here, but is the bolt tight on the linkage from the steering column to the EPAS?

And you have confirmed that the slot is in the EPAS unit?

Yes, the slot is lined up, the column only goes in one way. With the Borgenson solid shaft some items are different but all the bolts are tight and correct.
I’ve had my wife move the wheel and the input to the rack is turning the same amount. So I don’t think it’s in the linkage.

 

[Datsun40146]

I don’ have EPS but why would a Boss 302 rack fix your problem?

Mostly because if I’m going to buy another rack it’s going to be a new one and the delta between a new or reman rack one may as well spring for the boss unit and get the improved programming inherent to that system,

 

[Datsun40146]

Ok for history, purchased and installed a new 302r rack from LMR thinking the used electric rack in the car was worn.
The play is the same. All I can assume at this point is that the on center play is designed in from Ford. 2 racks same behavior, I can see the Steering shaft turning the input shaft into the rack for the 15mm or so side to side on center.
LMR customer service was also at a loss. It must be normal for this rack design which is a real shame.

 

[zquez]

I have a very similar issue currently. I purchased a new column to put in the car because it looked to me as if when moving the wheel there was a delay in the shaft coming out of the column moving. I was playing around with the tilt mechanism and it seemed to tighten it back up after adjusting the tilt. Maybe check that out. I'm tempted to get an aftermarket column that removes the tilt function entirely. I also have an EPAS rack but the steering wheel play is a new phenomenon for me.

 

[RocketcarX]

The video doesn't show us what we need to see. Have your partner rock the wheel like you did in the video but slower and wider sweeping. Is the rack moving as if the bolts aren't tight enough? Let's see the input shaft and a tie rod in the same frame within the video. Are the control arm bushing bolts tight enough to prevent the control arms from moving? Stuff like this is where to start if your certain all of your new parts are 100% Feel free to reach out if I can help troubleshoot, you can text me at the number on your EPAS invoice or PM and I will give it to you.

Cheers,
Casey

 

[Datsun40146]

Casey,
Sure I have done that. Had my wife move the wheel in the slop center zone.
I can see the exact movement turning the input shaft into the rack, but the tie rods aren’t moving.
Same behavior on the used EPAS rack and the new BOSS 302r rack I installed.

I worked with LMR over email and they had no more suggestions either, I’ll send you a PM if you like with my number and some videos this weekend.

 

[Autokyrios]

My guess from my initial exploration (my EPAS swap project is in boxes, waiting for suspension) would be that it's normal for the EPAS in normal mode. Our cars lack the packages to affect the different driving modes (normal, sport, etc) which would tighten up the steering response. That's my first thought.
Supposedly the harness box from MMR allows you to change modes, but again, I haven't been able to try mine yet.

 

[Datsun40146]

My guess from my initial exploration (my EPAS swap project is in boxes, waiting for suspension) would be that it's normal for the EPAS in normal mode. Our cars lack the packages to affect the different driving modes (normal, sport, etc) which would tighten up the steering response. That's my first thought.
Supposedly the harness box from MMR allows you to change modes, but again, I haven't been able to try mine yet.

I can tell you that I have installed the Control modules from wireeverything.com. While the steering response does get heavier and sharper. The on center play is there regardless in sport mode or in comfort mode. And it is present in both styles of steering rack the standard and the 302R.