Severe duty steering rack 7 weeks at dealer

[Kaopeterson]

This is a bit of a rant but want to see if others are having similar issues.
Ordered the upgraded Ford Performance steering rack. Took 2 months to get in after what seems like it was just forgotten in the ordering process. Finally shows up at a dealership that for some reason, the ford performance site made me order it to. That’s fine I assume the dealership is probably a FP dealer and will have technicians who are familiar with the install.
I make an appointment to get it worked on. The dealership is too far away for them to pick it up and drop it off (15 mile range, I’m 20 miles from them) so I can’t use then Ford spending benefits that I earn for spending X amount of money with them.
That’s fine I’ll make arrangements to get it there early and hopefully they can get it done that day. Nope get a call later and they say they have an estimate and say they can start Monday. Dropped it off Friday 9/27. What was the point of the appointment if not to work on it that day?
Ok fine, estimate 9 hours, rack install, tune install, alignment. $2000. Parts paid for ahead of time, used points so girl math, they’re free.
No call but get a text from advisor saying they’re having trouble getting it to take the code. They need a new voucher. I know a few others have had issues with the install so I’m trying to be patient but damn.
This continues for 3 weeks, service advisor never answers when I call, always “busy” and can’t come to the phone. Ask for a loaner. Another week goes by and avoids the question. Finally sit in hold after calling several times in one day at different times and talk to a manager. Nice guy, understands and thinks this is all messed up, or at least entertains my frustration.
Well I’m now at week 7, did get a loaner after the adviser said he’d get me a rental for $35 a day and I blew up, left a google review, the manger called and got me a loaner, but man, why is it so hard to get some answers and help.
Ford customer service was zero help as well and said I needed to go to the dealer if no one is answering. Like why can’t anyone from Ford own this issue and make it right?
I just want my Bronco back!

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[mpeugeot]

And people wonder why I don't use the dealership for ANYTHING.

 

[HighVelocity]

I had a similar thing happen with my F350 several years ago when it was under warranty getting the EGR cooler replaced. They drug it out for months until I filed a complaint with the WA Attorney Generals office and started a dispute with my credit card company.

I had the truck back within days after that. They still managed to eff it up and I had to take it to an independent shop where he fixed their screwup it in 2 minutes, didn't charge me and I've been taking the truck to him for everything ever since.

 

[Neps]

Yep sounds about right, the closest dealer that can do the install for me is about a six hour drive (one way) and they can't guarantee a one day install. So my choices are to drive two cars up to drop off the Bronco, or stay in a hotel while the work is done hoping that what happened to the OP doesn't happen to me.

Pretty poor of Ford to have manufactured the Broncos with a weak steering rack, then not offer a recall/TSB to make the replacement, or at least have dealers who can fix the problem.

 

[Kaopeterson]

8 weeks….:supposedly waiting on Ford for a voucher to program. This is like the 3rd or 4th voucher excuse

 

[Brian_B]

Good to see that even dealers can’t figure it out reliably

 

[mack092]

what kind of steering upgrade can i do to run 37 tires on my 4 dr outerbanks.
ChatGPT gave me these options, can any expert weigh in?
1. Upgraded Power Steering Pump
Enhancing your power steering pump ensures sufficient hydraulic pressure for larger tires.

Recommended Option:

• PSC Motorsports High-Performance P-Series Power Steering Pump
  • Features: Designed for high-performance applications, offering increased fluid displacement per revolution.
  • Compatibility: Suitable for various Ford models; verify specific fitment for your Bronco's year and engine.
  • Purchase Link: PSC Motorsports SP1405X

Considerations:

• Remote Reservoir: This pump requires a PSC remote reservoir kit for optimal performance.
• Installation: Professional installation is recommended to ensure proper setup and avoid potential issues.

2. Steering Stabilizer
A steering stabilizer reduces vibrations and improves handling with larger tires.

Recommended Option:

• FOX Performance Series 2.0 Adjustable Through Shaft (ATS) Stabilizer
  • Features: Offers 24 clicks of external adjustment to fine-tune steering feel; includes an integrated reservoir for improved cooling.
  • Compatibility: Designed for various off-road applications; confirm fitment for your Bronco model.
  • Purchase Link: FOX Performance Series 2.0 ATS Stabilizer

Considerations:

• Mounting Hardware: Ensure the stabilizer comes with the necessary brackets or clamps for installation.
• Installation: While some may opt for DIY installation, professional assistance ensures correct alignment and functionality.

 

[mack092]

So by upgrade I dont want to increase the strength or robustness of the steering itself, I know its well made enough for the 37 s to crawl in the mall and pavement where it will be all the time. I want it to be easy enough for my arms everytime I do a bunch of figure of 8s and donuts.

 

[userdude]

what kind of steering upgrade can i do to run 37 tires on my 4 dr outerbanks.
ChatGPT gave me these options, can any expert weigh in?
1. Upgraded Power Steering Pump
Enhancing your power steering pump ensures sufficient hydraulic pressure for larger tires.

Recommended Option:

• PSC Motorsports High-Performance P-Series Power Steering Pump
  • Features: Designed for high-performance applications, offering increased fluid displacement per revolution.
  • Compatibility: Suitable for various Ford models; verify specific fitment for your Bronco's year and engine.
  • Purchase Link: PSC Motorsports SP1405X

Considerations:

• Remote Reservoir: This pump requires a PSC remote reservoir kit for optimal performance.
• Installation: Professional installation is recommended to ensure proper setup and avoid potential issues.

2. Steering Stabilizer
A steering stabilizer reduces vibrations and improves handling with larger tires.

Recommended Option:

• FOX Performance Series 2.0 Adjustable Through Shaft (ATS) Stabilizer
  • Features: Offers 24 clicks of external adjustment to fine-tune steering feel; includes an integrated reservoir for improved cooling.
  • Compatibility: Designed for various off-road applications; confirm fitment for your Bronco model.
  • Purchase Link: FOX Performance Series 2.0 ATS Stabilizer

Considerations:

• Mounting Hardware: Ensure the stabilizer comes with the necessary brackets or clamps for installation.
• Installation: While some may opt for DIY installation, professional assistance ensures correct alignment and functionality.

If you're just running the roads and not swamp crawling it, probably nothing. If you upgrade the suspension, the lift and bad CV angles and heavier tire is what's going to be the biggest risks to the tie rods and bushing.

Personally, I'd say buy some spare inner tie rods for what you have, get TD Distributing's tie rod kit and leave them in your truck. If it happens you're ready. But only if you're rock crawling or swamping or jumping should you really worry about the tie rods and rack (and CVs), really, and most of the time lay off the skinny pedal and you'll be fine.

 

[Kaopeterson]

Still in jail. Been there since September 27th.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Might be Attorney General time like the post a few above .... damn....

 

[Kaopeterson]

I’ve debated trying to see if that’s a route I should go. Not quite the same situation but this does feel like ford has some bigger issues, if this is acceptable. Don’t even get me started on calling in to ford for help.

 

[Squatch]

So, you're living out of your loaner that is parked in the service lane, right? ...right?

 

[Sloth]

Sseven weeks is a kick in the pants. Tell them to swap the original rack back in and go find a qualified shop to do the install.

 

[mack092]

If you're just running the roads and not swamp crawling it, probably nothing. If you upgrade the suspension, the lift and bad CV angles and heavier tire is what's going to be the biggest risks to the tie rods and bushing.

Personally, I'd say buy some spare inner tie rods for what you have, get TD Distributing's tie rod kit and leave them in your truck. If it happens you're ready. But only if you're rock crawling or swamping or jumping should you really worry about the tie rods and rack (and CVs), really, and most of the time lay off the skinny pedal and you'll be fine.

Ok so I want it to be easy on my arms like drive with one finger and stuff, I know it’s not gonna break on the other end. Any suggestions for that?

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