EPAS vs Hydrualic

Thought this was funny, so my aunts sister has 3 Expeditions. Her husband drives an ‘08 EL Eddie Bauer (sort of twin to my truck), then they have a 2014 XLT, and just a few days ago got a new 2017 XLT. She shows up in the ‘14 for some pool time and I had to ask “where’s the new truck?”. Turns out her daughter is learning to drive and she let her choose which truck to learn in. She said she refuses to drive the 2017 because the steering is too loose and she doesn’t feel safe driving it like the 2014. I never realized how different the steering systems would be lol. It’s funny how a minor difference can seem so drastic to a newer driver.

I plan to get a 15 16 or 17 some day mainly because of the steering. This 07 steers like a dump truck compared to the Excursion I had.

That's interesting. From what i'm told...the hydraulic system offers more feedback and steering feel. I've driven the new 2020's and I think I prefer my 07's steering rack more. The EPAS feels artificial to me.

I will take easier steering any day over this hard steering truck and I'm not a weakling. It's not the steering shaft either, that's lubed and working fine plus tire pressures are good.

I absolutely love the steering ... braking ... ride of my 2014EL.
Might have something to do with going back & forth from my BEATER 2003XLT.

Another comparison is to the '67 Chevy Van I used to drive.
That was like a sailboat with a tiller, was constantly swinging clockwise/counterclockwise.
You had to oversteer all the time.

IMHO the 2014 is the best year Expy (for me, you may have different likes).

I got a '15 Expedition XLT a few months ago in lieu of my '16 Tundra 4x4. I immediately noticed the steering was lighter and quicker. I like it but it takes getting used to, especially at 80mph. It's very light for highway speeds and could get you in trouble in a panic if you weren't prepared. I also don't like it when go over bumps on the highway which unsettle the suspension. It tends to wobble around a bit before settling and you need to ensure you keep the steering straight.

Overall, I like it but it's something you need to get used to.

Jeremygsu said:

I got a '15 Expedition XLT a few months ago in lieu of my '16 Tundra 4x4. I immediately noticed the steering was lighter and quicker. I like it but it takes getting used to, especially at 80mph. It's very light for highway speeds and could get you in trouble in a panic if you weren't prepared. I also don't like it when go over bumps on the highway which unsettle the suspension. It tends to wobble around a bit before settling and you need to ensure you keep the steering straight.

Overall, I like it but it's something you need to get used to.

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I could easily get used to that...…...

I drove her ‘17 to try it out last night, to me the steering feels the same as my ‘07 lol so who knows. First time I’ve driven an EcoBoost 3rd gen, Ive only done a 4th gen. It’s a very nice ride and setup and I like the subtle interior updates. The 6R transmission almost seems a little better suited to the older 07-14 models, a few times it stayed in a lower gear where the 5.4 usually rushes to get up into 6 and cruise, not sure what that was about. It was almost like the TC clutch was being delayed. Rides nice and smooth with the new shocks. Thing isn’t even broken in yet at 14,000 miles! She said the previous owner tried towing with it but realized the soft suspension on these wasn’t good for their horse trailer so it sat a lot after they bought a pickup.

Yeah the EPS does take a little getting used to. I go from driving my utility van (HPS)all during the week to driving the Expedition on the weekends and don’t even notice it anymore. Maybe because the van can be tricky at highway speeds when it’s really windy and I’m just used to keeping it stable and not chasing it all over the road, which is kind of what you gotta do with EPS. I remember back when I bought my 2011 Can Am Outlander 800 4 wheeler with the new EPS. All my buddies and l included said that we wouldn’t want power steering on our ATV’s because we would loose too much feel on the trails. Even when I purchased it I asked the salesman if I could unplug it and ride without it going into limp mode. He asked why the hell would you wanna do that? You’ll love it once you get used to it. He was absolutely right. It’s probably the best improvement to ATV’s since the fourth wheel was added. My 800 actually has two settings, one has less assist than the other. I keep it on max assist now always. Maybe Ford will offer different settings on the steering assist in the future???

MrSticker said:

Another comparison is to the '67 Chevy Van I used to drive.
That was like a sailboat with a tiller, was constantly swinging clockwise/counterclockwise.
You had to oversteer all the time

Click to expand...

Lol! Yeah those old flat nosed vans were like a big mailbox on wheels. They just plowed through the air with force.