Steering Noise problems of the 2011 Ford F-150

I was driving one afternoon and all of a sudden when I turned my steering wheel it would let out a high pitched screeching noise and my steering wheel would lock up. I couldn't turn it left nor right because it was stuck but if I forced it it would unlock but still make the screeching sound. And this is where I am at almost wrecking 5 times that day trying to get home and not being able to drive to work with my car due to the fact my power steer is failing for no reason what so ever.

My steering became very hard to steer suddenly and started making a loud noise when steering wheel is pulled to the right or left. Luckily I was close to my house and was not in traffic where someone could have really been hurt.

While making a sharp left turn I heard a loud squeaking sound, and then got the advance trac fault and it reset it self and a few days later got the same sound and fault. About 3 weeks later I heard the same noise and the steering wheel locked intermittently and I wasn't able to turn the steering wheel left direction. Had vehicle taken to local Ford dealer and was told by service tech that the steering gear needs to be replaced, cost $1,750. This is a very dangerous problem that needs to be recalled and repaired by Ford. This can put a driver in an accident resulting in injury or possible death upon failure.

While making a sharp left turn I heard a loud squeaking sound, and then got the advance trac fault and it reset it self and a few days later got the same sound and fault. About 3 weeks later I heard the same noise and the steering wheel locked and I wasn't able to turn the steering wheel either direction. Had vehicle towed to local Ford dealer and was told by service tech that the steering gear needs to be replaced, cost $1,750.

Steering started making a funny noise and power steering stopped working. Could not steer vehicle. No prior issues with steering.

Vehicle has just over 40,000 miles all highway. Vehicle is 4wd. Vehicle has never towed, hauled or been off road. Took vehicle to Ford dealership to have a/c serviced (which was noted having problems during warranty, but techs never found issue nor ran diagnostics) during the diagnostics the service tech stated there was a noise coming from the steering gear. *note the vehicle had been out of owner's possession and at the dealership awaiting a/c service for 4 days. Owner stated that there had been no steering issues or warnings displayed in the vehicle and had been operating without any problems. Dealership states that when they finished the a/c service that the steering ceased upon backing the vehicle out of the service area. Owner asked why the steering gear is not covered under the drive train warranty. The dealership advised that this issue is a common issue that is being encountered with the new Ford epas system and is not covered under the drivetrain warranty even though the vehicle's low mileage. Owner requesting that Ford pay for replacement due to it being commonly defective. Vehicle still in dealership's possession.

I own a 2011 F-150, 5. 0, crew cab, 4x4. I started noticing a popping or clinking noise coming from the steering column. The noise has been getting worst and is very annoying as well. I notice at lower speeds when driving down our gravel road. I typed this issue in as well on the F-150 forum and there are numerous post with same issue! many are saying it has to deal with electric power assist steering. I will be taking it into the dealer, to hopefully get this issue resolved. I just hope that Ford will step up and fix this issue.