EPS Electric Power Steering Source

[TwistedTechie]

My 2018 Big Horn with 55k miles needs an EPS and I've called multiple places and am unable to find one. Just wondered if anyone has found a source for this part? Here's the part number I was told was compatible (68628858AA) and picture attached is the numbers on my EPS. TIA.
The issues is: It works fine when temps are above like 40° but when colder there's no power steering and I get the "
Power Steering Unavailable Service Required" message on dash. I've tried all the typical fixes, check all grounds, dielectric grease on connectors and finally had it diagnosed at local dealership and was told it needed a new EPS at cost of $2,345 for the EPS and $600 for install. They also informed me there was no part available and at least 45 days before available. My only 4x4 vehicle and I won't be able to use it during the worst winter months. Not happy...

 

[1999 White C5 Coupe]

In addition to my Ram, I own a 2015 Ford Expedition Limited 4x4, purchased new.

The electronic power steering rack failed on my Expedition. Today is day 66 of the vehicle being parked at my Ford dealer, waiting on a electronic steering rack which is on national backorder by Ford.

Good luck.

 

[TwistedTechie]

In addition to my Ram, I own a 2015 Ford Expedition Limited 4x4, purchased new.

The electronic power steering rack failed on my Expedition. Today is day 66 of the vehicle being parked at my Ford dealer, waiting on a electronic steering rack which is on national backorder by Ford.

Good luck.

Damn, sorry to hear. I got this reply from Mopar America when I asked them about availability on the EPS "Back ordered for greater than 45 business days (about a little over 4 months honestly)" Guess I am lucky I can still drive it when it's warm.

 

[TheSystems]

I just ran into the same issue. I contacted every direct to manufacturer vendor there is in the country. NO ONE can find or get one. I honestly dont think they are even being made. I ended up going to a salvage yard and pulling a unit from a truck that had side or rear damage. Im back on the road now but after I did all the leg work and still didn't have a truck for 24 days.

 

[TwistedTechie]

I just ran into the same issue. I contacted every direct to manufacturer vendor there is in the country. NO ONE can find or get one. I honestly dont think they are even being made. I ended up going to a salvage yard and pulling a unit from a truck that had side or rear damage. Im back on the road now but after I did all the leg work and still didn't have a truck for 24 days.

Geezzz, and I thought we were in the clear after the toilet paper shortage of 2020!

 

[EdGs]

With the EPS not working when cold, but working when warm, it makes me think that there's a cold solder joint issue on the PCB.

I have never had or seen the EPS unit apart either, just pure speculation on my part.

I wish you the best on a lasting fix for your issue.

 

[aces-n-eights]

Is there a way to fool your truck into thinking it's above 40°? Is there a temp sensor in the EPS? Could you put a warming pad on it or some other temp sensor?

 

[jws123]

I think dorman sells racks advanced auto says in stock. But has anyone tried to swap a truck back to the more reliable hydralic system yet? from like a 2009-13 ram. I was recently was looking into a newer ram but cant bring myself to do it when I see issues like this.

 

[TwistedTechie]

Is there a way to fool your truck into thinking it's above 40°? Is there a temp sensor in the EPS? Could you put a warming pad on it or some other temp sensor?

My guess it's something with the electronics internal to the EPS. I would love to take one apart and have a look at the circuit board but being able to remove it without taking the whole EPS unit out may not be possible. I did see on another forum someone used a heat gun and was able to get it to work that way so it's got to be something in there that cold effects.

 

[TwistedTechie]

I think dorman sells racks advanced auto says in stock. But has anyone tried to swap a truck back to the more reliable hydralic system yet? from like a 2009-13 ram. I was recently was looking into a newer ram but cant bring myself to do it when I see issues like this.

Several places say they are in stock but if you call they will say none are available. I called several yesterday. All the newer vehicles have EPS, like it or not. We just need a more reliable EPS unit and maybe the newer ones are, but not being able to get one sucks!

 

[TwistedTechie]

With the EPS not working when cold, but working when warm, it makes me think that there's a cold solder joint issue on the PCB.

I have never had or seen the EPS unit apart either, just pure speculation on my part.

I wish you the best on a lasting fix for your issue.

I agree on the solder joint and would love to examine the circuit board but being able to get it out without F***** something up would be my concern. Whenever I can get a new EPS I will take the old one apart and if I have time I will video it.

 

[EdGs]

I agree on the solder joint and would love to examine the circuit board but being able to get it out without F***** something up would be my concern. Whenever I can get a new EPS I will take the old one apart and if I have time I will video it.

Unless there's a core charge

Unfortunately, nowadays most PCB's are made with lead-free solder which I don't particularly care for. JMO

 

[danielmid]

You might check with Benny here and see what he says for availability:

All Repair Parts @ Employee Cost!

Not sure how long this is going to last but if your in need of Genuine Mopar parts now is the time https://www.allmoparparts.com/repair-parts.php Please reply here with any and all inquiries and I will be happy to quote for you :) Thanks, Benny

www.ramforum.com

 

[IndyRamMan]

Im curious if you found a solution yet?

 

[TwistedTechie]

Not yet, still waiting on parts availability. Got a call from my local dealer saying they would give me a 15% discount on getting it fixed, ask them if they had the part in. After they talked to parts department, they said it would be end of this month before they would have it. With the discount it was still more than the price I had found online for the EPS, of course they are waiting for it too. Fortunately, I have a S10 pickup that's my daily driver, so I'm just waiting it out and am still able to drive my RAM when the weather is warm. What's your story?

 

[jarrows]

I had to replace mine with a used one.They said it would take up to 6 to12 months to get one maybe.

 

[theskier74]

Are you still able to drive with it like this? My Ram has it too but I'm still driving currently until I get it all squared away...I'm hoping my steering won't give out on me. Happened one day after driving on a super gnarly winter day with a lot of salt and nonsense on the road, must have gotten to something in there.

 

[NETim]

https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory...d-steering-failure-complaints-older-102097494

 

[Jeepwalker]

Maybe they'll widen the repairs to newer Rams. But if they don't it could take years to move on. In the meantime, go Here. Scroll down for a list of repair ideas. Good luck.