TSB 12-02-17 - Steering issue - New TSB?

Triborough · 03-12-2012, 05:32 PM

I took the car in for the steering wander at highway speeds issue. Initially, it was not covered by the previous TSB for the problem as it was a later build date - 29.11.2011.

Install Steering Gear per TSB 12-02-17
Replaced Rack Assembly as per TSB 12-02-17

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Dick W · 03-12-2012, 09:27 PM

Our Focus was built 12/1/2011. It definitely exhibits the "breakover" force issue steering from just R of neutral to L and then back again from just L of neutral to R at highway speeds.

Was this what you were experiencing? Did this fix it?

Does anybody know the root cause of this? Are the new parts different/better? Installed differently? The effectivity of this TSB seems to keep changing to pick up more, later, dates. You'd think they'd get tired of building cars with this problem and then having to pay out in warranty claims to fix them in the field.

(of course, I'm also the guy with a BMW with the N54 engine and the much discussed chronic "no problem here" high pressure fuel pump that they redesigned and campaigned and denied and redesigned and denied and ultimately recalled across four or five different models and three or four model years.)

Eurofordfan · 03-12-2012, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dick W

Our Focus was built 12/1/2011. It definitely exhibits the "breakover" force issue steering from just R of neutral to L and then back again from just L of neutral to R at highway speeds.

Was this what you were experiencing? Did this fix it?

Does anybody know the root cause of this? Are the new parts different/better? Installed differently? The effectivity of this TSB seems to keep changing to pick up more, later, dates. You'd think they'd get tired of building cars with this problem and then having to pay out in warranty claims to fix them in the field.

(of course, I'm also the guy with a BMW with the N54 engine and the much discussed chronic "no problem here" high pressure fuel pump that they redesigned and campaigned and denied and redesigned and denied and ultimately recalled across four or five different models and three or four model years.)

The breakover force issue, is exactly what was happening (and continues to happen to unknowing owners) of a small % of '09, '10, and '11 Toyota Corolla's with EPAS.

I ask why, rhetorically, can't they get this EPAS problem solved????!!!!!

unclebrud · 03-12-2012, 10:04 PM

I know! They should leave it off the cars until they have it figured out. How much of an economy gain is there? Wonder if it's worth the trade-off.

That said, once you have the steering gear changed (as I have), the car will drive much better. But, it's still not as good as a hydraulic setup.

Kabigon · 03-12-2012, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dick W

Our Focus was built 12/1/2011. It definitely exhibits the "breakover" force issue steering from just R of neutral to L and then back again from just L of neutral to R at highway speeds.

Was this what you were experiencing? Did this fix it?

Does anybody know the root cause of this? Are the new parts different/better? Installed differently? The effectivity of this TSB seems to keep changing to pick up more, later, dates. You'd think they'd get tired of building cars with this problem and then having to pay out in warranty claims to fix them in the field.

My understanding is that a position sensor (not properly assembled/calibrated) is to blame.

TSB 12-2-17 applies to cars built on or before 12/12/2011.

ccelaya · 03-12-2012, 11:11 PM

does anybody have access to this TSB content/details? (like the DCT one)... my steering wheel is acting up, feeling loose, wandering at low speeds, even my hands get tired after my daily commute. (my focus was built last oct.)

forceflow2 · 03-13-2012, 06:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ccelaya

does anybody have access to this TSB content/details? (like the DCT one)... my steering wheel is acting up, feeling loose, wandering at low speeds, even my hands get tired after my daily commute. (my focus was built last oct.)

I too am experiencing this issue, but it is at low speeds, not highway speeds like the TSB indicates. Just started happening a couple weeks ago. Thought I was just tired and wasn't paying attention since I just changed work shifts, but it is definitely the car itself. Build date is 8/30/11. Since I haven't had time to get these things looked at (this isn't my only issue) I am probably going to take a day or two off work to get these issues fixed all in one go since it seems most are covered by one TSB or another.

Dick W · 03-13-2012, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kabigon

My understanding is that a position sensor (not properly assembled/calibrated) is to blame.

TSB 12-2-17 applies to cars built on or before 12/12/2011.

Anybody know if the replacement parts are new numbers or the same just supposedly made properly this time? If you keep doing what you've been doing, you're going to keep getting what you've been getting...

realbug · 03-13-2012, 05:35 PM

I sent my car in last week for this issue and the dealer agreed to perform the TSB and ordered related parts. They'll do the replacement tomorrow and I'll see if it actually solves the problem.