Ford Explorer with Jerky Steering - Fixing a stuck steering universal joint on a 2014 Explorer

Our 2014 Ford Explorer's steering wheel started sticking when turning the wheel. I originally thought it was the Electronic Power Assist unit going bad. These are expensive and difficult to install. After doing some research, I found out that the universal joint that connects the steering shaft to the EAP shaft can stick, causing the steering to bind intermittently. The solution was to disconnect the universal joint from the EAP shaft and clean the joint on the steering shaft until it's loose, then lubricate it with grease before reinstalling. This quick fix worked great and the car is now steering normally.
Here is a link to the video I reference with some better angles on the universal joint: • 2014 Ford Explorer Har...
Also, don't break your clock spring when you do this. Make sure to secure your steering wheel to the A-pillar or door so you don't hyper-extend the clock spring like I did. If you did manage to break your clock spring, here is the video I made that might help: • Broken Cruise Control ...
Skip to Section:
00:00 - Introduction
00:56 - Securing the Steering Wheel
01:38 - Disconnecting the Universal Joint
02:28 - Diagnosing the Universal Joint
03:08 - Lubing the Universal Joint
03:55 - Reconnecting the Steering Joint
04:29 - Recap of the Solution
05:45 - Testing the Steering
06:40 - Wrapping Up

[@stephonhines2093]

I like how you re explained the process, you made it very clear what to use, bolt size & said how long it took you 🅿️ love it

[@hayseedfarm]

Thanks for that feedback! Glad the video was helpful.

[@ryd-er-die6697]

Thanks for the video...my interceptor utility just started having this issue...looks like I have a project for Thanksgiving

[@hayseedfarm]

This was a very simple fix for a long standing problem. Hopefully it worked out for you.

[@bubuleh71]

Great thanks, got a similar/same problem. Feels like when an old-school steering leaks out too much fluid, it jerks. Got to try this.

[@venommonster7168]

Great video dude

[@hayseedfarm]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@venommonster7168]

@@hayseedfarm ur welcome yh coz ur videos r so useful 👌🔥

[@mohammedawal3640]

Thanks

[@chuckmac19]

Good video! I'm not sure if this is my problem yet. I'll need to troubleshoot more. My steering wheel is completely locked up. I will not move at all.

[@iRxyanDestinygtaandmoreL]

Im having the same prob with my g35, i think it happened cuz all the rain and i dont have an under tray

[@kayladelong2693]

I’m having similar issues in my 2016 explorer. 2 mechanics now tell me it’s the entire rack and want almost $4000 for parts and labor. Might try this, what could it hurt lol.

[@hayseedfarm]

Give it a shot! Just make sure to secure your steering wheel so that you don’t over extend your clock spring like I did. Otherwise it’s a quick fix to your steering issues. Worst case scenario you’re swapping out the rack anyway.

[@joedebosco3047]

need to correct your sound. It's awful...

[@hayseedfarm]

This video was hard to record based on where this is under the car. Can't fix it once it's recorded. I just have to do better next time.

[@gregorsamsomeone1184]

I'm just grateful for the information. Homie could've done the audio through a 1920's tube radio and still save me a load of dough on repairs.