2014 RAM 1500 EPS rack failure (3rd time)

[v7tech]

Ha ha ...you know what you're doing! I was going to mention 'conformal' ...but wanted to keep language plain. You're probably right, the water/moisture on the connector pins, or solder joints likely made things go wonky (for lack of a better word). At least part of the time. I figured just be design, there'd be moisture build up in the circuit board cavity if for no other reason than the board would heat the small metal cavity up, and it would cool down, (hundreds or thousands of times). Eventually, if not 'perfectly' sealed (and they all can't be 'perfectly' sealed), condensation would occur inside some trucks' racks ...even if water didn't outright leak in. It's really not a failure of the rack in most cases but a bad design that creates a secondary failure point.

Did you get rid of the rack already? It would be great to see what the motor area looked like.

Thanks for posting the pics. It was really enlighting.

I did get rid of it. Didn't have to but it's too bulky to keep and really of no use. It'll just start a rabbit hole leading me to pour in time eventually figuring out a plausible repair. For what it's worth they could have made the circuit component external or removable to make it serviceable. Instead it's meant to be replaced in it's entirety. Prior to getting rid of it with the cover off I inspected the motor to see if the belt was intact. Whatever fault the EPS rack is experiencing the communication with the vehicle is there as it knows when you unplug it, or remove power. It just fails to operate and flashes the steering wheel with the exclamation. This was true with both failed racks. I'll be obtaining a DTC tool that's a bit more thorough than my ODB2 scan tool(s) in the near future like an Autel or TopDon that can reset/actuate things as needed.

 

[Jeepwalker]

A lot of guys like the AlfaOBD, but I haven't tried it. Course it only works with FCA vehicles. Whereas the other scannners you listed, esp the higher models, are all mfgrs (if you have other make vehicles).

 

[Scuba2000]

When you replaced the Rack&Pinion was it plug and play or did it require some programming? I purchased a new one from MOPAR so it is OEM. I dropped it off at the mechanic but they weren't sure if it would require specific diagnostics. I am in Italy and RAMs are not a common vehicle so I am hoping it is just plug and play.

Self confirmed via 5 minutes or research it does require to be scanned in to the computer. Well hot damn. Found a place who can do it that is not my local mechanic. Fun times.

 

[v7tech]

No programming required, works out of the box. A bit late of a reply, hope it helps.

 

[AR RAM]

I'm wondering if during a rebuild the parts rebuilder always replaces the circuit board and electric motor? Just what is involved with the remanufature? You'd think that those components have to be replaced for a quality rebuild.
I need a new rack and pinion now. I'm going to check around and see if any local shops can rebuild the one I have but I'd like to know what all I should expect them to do for the reman.

 

[Reneram]

How can i order tan panal i broke both boots driving throw loss sand can i fin it through part number?

 

[Reneram]

I do have more pictures. I gave it to the truck driver who delivered the replacement from the yard. It's from a place called South Florida Auto Recycling, and honestly it's too large to stow away and not very useful for anything else. The first set of pictures are from the 'black' Cardone rack, the gray rack pics are from my original vehicle. You can clearly see the difference. Mine had water exposure but it was more subtle the Cardone rack is filled with calcium and other nasty stuff from the stagnate water.

How can i buy only the circuit panal i broke both pin boots hopefully i can fix it my self buy put new one in and ceil it in good please help

 

[Reneram]

 

[Jeepwalker]

Are the connectors still ok to the board? Just glue that outer plastic piece back on...

 

[Unknownfobia]

v7tech, do you or anyone else have a picture of the resistors on the back on the circuit board? I’ve got a guy willing to attempt repair on my board but I have 2 resistors missing and need the numbers. Any help would be appreciated!

 

[DILLIGAF]

I wonder if anyone has tried to swap a PS pump/rack from a older 4th gen onto one of these yet?

Im probbaly the only guy here that would of done something like that. Havent seen it done yet.

If you ever need a good laugh, there's a moron on Youtube who swapped out is PS for the electric rack. lol.