Table 1 shows two common steering related problems of the 2013 Ford E-450.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Power Steering Fluid problems | |
| Steering problems |
During my 1500 mile recommended oil change service, the Ford dealer service technician found a leak of hydraulic fluid that turned out to be coming from the power steering / power braking hydro boost unit. He determined that the leak was caused by a factory over-tightening of a bolt on the unit that stripped the thread and caused the leak. The booster and associated hoses or lines needed to be replaced. I was told that driving the vehicle without the repair would have been very dangerous and could have caused a total failure of the brakes.
Steering is heavy, (heavy/stiff/steering wheel hard to turn), does not rotate and/or return easily and smoothly. The operator/driver is required to manually assist the return of the steering wheel back to center, does not have return ability to center home position on its own. Safety is #1; heavy/stiff/steering wheel hard to turn raises significant concern with this sunseeker class c motorhome/RV being unsafe, potentially dangerous and/or a hazardous situation when the operator/driver consistently needs to maintain a white knuckle control of the steering wheel. Without assistance or intervention from operator/driver this class c motorhome/RV would continue to turn left or right, and will not return and continue in a straight forward motion. This sunseeker class c motorhome/RV tracks side to side from uneven or grooved payment surfaces causing a wobbling effect. Another effect when a larger vehicle in size passes on the freeway can be disturbing as noted. This class c motorhome/RV is pushed to the right over the white fog line into the break down lane. Operator/driver must use a counter steering measure by turning the steering wheel left into the passing vehicle, then back straight when the vehicle passes. This action requires operator/driver to use constant monitoring visually and physically of the steering wheel in order to maintain a straight/forward line.