Dreaded EPS Failure

[mlmim3591]

I recently had the dreaded EPS failure on my 2014 Big Horn with 114K miles. With the Mopar unit unavailable, I had to use the Dorman 601-903. It works correctly at stop and low speeds but at highway speeds it has heavy steering. Does this need to be "flashed" by a dealer? I appreciate any feedback or experience from the group.

 

[Burla]

Check eBay for used ones cheap.

Glad my 10 has hydraulic.

 

[hunterdan]

I recently had the dreaded EPS failure on my 2014 Big Horn with 114K miles. With the Mopar unit unavailable, I had to use the Dorman 601-903. It works correctly at stop and low speeds but at highway speeds it has heavy steering. Does this need to be "flashed" by a dealer? I appreciate any feedback or experience from the group.

It doesn't need to be, but it may need to have the steering angle reset.

 

[mlmim3591]

Yes the steering angle has been calibrated. The new rack and pinion seems to be in "assisted steering" instead of full power steering. Will a dealer "reflash" cure the issur?

 

[Ken226]

Yes the steering angle has been calibrated. The new rack and pinion seems to be in "assisted steering" instead of full power steering. Will a dealer "reflash" cure the issur?

Noone can possibly know that. It's an aftermarket part with unknown internals and programming. It could contain OEM electronics or Dorman's electronics. None of us have any idea which.

If there is a warranty, then warranty it.

If there is no warranty, then you're stuck with trying another Dorman or buying OEM.

I had to replace mine in early 2024, so i bought OEM from Mopar Parts Giant. It was 1800$ and worked perfectly out of the box.

 

[mlmim3591]

That was the issue - no OEM available. Dorman was my only choice other than salvage and the risk involved there.

 

[Ken226]

That was the issue - no OEM available. Dorman was my only choice other than salvage and the risk involved there.

This is the one I used. It says that it doesn't fit my truck, but obviously, it does. Because it's been installed and working perfectly since March of 2024.

68628858AA - Mopar Parts Giant

www.moparpartsgiant.com

There doesn't seem to be much of a shortage. The Mopar E-Store shows 3 in stock:

https://store.mopar.com/oem-parts/mopar-rack-and-pinion-gear-68628858aa

 

[hunterdan]

How heavy are we talking here, because at higher speeds, it should limit the amount of assist it gives to help it track straighter and prevent unwanted quick maneuvers.

 

[matchek]

Mims, how you gotten a resolution? Have 2013 Ram and have somewhat similar problem or worse.

My power steering went out in June 2025 and got service power steering alarm.

The dealer blamed the rack and pinion. Part number r8573449aa. OEM is unavailable so they recommended buying the Dorman which is available and new.

The first Dorman replacement did not get the alarm again but the drive feels was stiffer especially at speeds over 40 mph. The dealer replaced the first Dorman with a second Dorman - - it drove better on the way home. The next day the Steering Wheel Warning Alarm came on the screen and the power steering failed entirely. Called tow truck. Wife restarted Ram and alarm cleared and steering was fine. Wife shut Ram off. Before tow truck came wife started Ram and this time alarm came on but it steered fine. We had it towed to dealer again. Still not resolved since June and now spend around $4,000 on this issue and now afraid to drive it.

 

[mlmim3591]

My problem is not yet resolved. I have the second Dorman installed and still have heavy steering at speeds above 30 to 40 mph. I have just received OBDMX+ and plan on using that tomorrow to check for any DTCs. I'll post more information after I do the scan.

 

[hunterdan]

Again, how heavy is the steering? It shouldn't have the same amount of assist at higher speeds as it does at lower. How much are you turning the wheel at speeds over 30 that you need that much assist? I know when my steering rack failed, it was near impossible to turn the wheel at low speed, but was manageable at higher speeds. Dorman is know to correct factory issues, so it's possible their rack is programmed to minimize steering assist at speeds over 30 mph. It should be easy enough that with some effort you can make an emergency maneuver (swerve around a car) but not so easy that you can inadvertently do it.

 

[crackerjack1957]

Ken226 Has already proven the Mopar OEM 2014-2021 EPS will fit the 2013.​

Spoon feeding in progress.........LoL

https://www.ramforum.com/threads/dreaded-eps-failure.219820/#post-3034324

 

[loopless]

2013 RAM 5.7 Outsoodsman 4WD 105K miles - My EPS failed without throwing a CEL, it just dumped its hydraulic guts onto the driveway. I had the shop replace it with Mopar factory part 68536637AB.OEM, non remanufactured.

Now the steering has this weird heaviness and sticky/stiffer feeling at anything above walking pace.
ODB reader shows no codes.
There is some suggestion that bubbles in the fluid might cause this for a few hundred miles.

 

[Ken226]

2013 RAM 5.7 Outsoodsman 4WD 105K miles - My EPS failed without throwing a CEL, it just dumped its hydraulic guts onto the driveway. I had the shop replace it with Mopar factory part 68536637AB.OEM, non remanufactured.

Now the steering has this weird heaviness and sticky/stiffer feeling at anything above walking pace.
ODB reader shows no codes.
There is some suggestion that bubbles in the fluid might cause this for a few hundred miles.

Go to this thread,

Post in thread '2013 RAM - power steering alarm activated and lost power steering' https://www.ramforum.com/threads/20...d-and-lost-power-steering.220033/post-3042533

read through a bit, then skip ahead to post#29 that says "Ken was right". Follow the advice there.

 

[Wild one]

2013 RAM 5.7 Outsoodsman 4WD 105K miles - My EPS failed without throwing a CEL, it just dumped its hydraulic guts onto the driveway. I had the shop replace it with Mopar factory part 68536637AB.OEM, non remanufactured.

Now the steering has this weird heaviness and sticky/stiffer feeling at anything above walking pace.
ODB reader shows no codes.
There is some suggestion that bubbles in the fluid might cause this for a few hundred miles.

If it has a pump,it must be a 2500,as the 1500's were all electric in 13,and they don't use a power steering hyd pump.
Helps if you tell us if it's a 1500 or 2500+ truck

 

[Ken226]

2013 RAM 5.7 Outsoodsman 4WD 105K miles - My EPS failed without throwing a CEL, it just dumped its hydraulic guts onto the driveway. I had the shop replace it with Mopar factory part 68536637AB.OEM, non remanufactured.

Now the steering has this weird heaviness and sticky/stiffer feeling at anything above walking pace.
ODB reader shows no codes.
There is some suggestion that bubbles in the fluid might cause this for a few hundred miles.

By the way, the part# that you said your shop installed (68536637AB), is electronic.

I very much doubt that your hydraulic unit died and that your shop somehow wired in an electronic unit.

The BCM in a truck that came with hydraulic steering wouldn't have the programming logic for such, let alone the wiring.

 

[Ken226]

If it has a pump,it must be a 2500,as the 1500's were all electric in 13,and they don't use a power steering hyd pump.
Helps if you tell us if it's a 1500 or 2500+ truck

The part# he said his shop installed, is the pn# for a 1500s electronic unit, so