2013 Ford Explorer steering issue

[Rog13]

Hi, just changed out my Transfer Case die to fluid flowing out of the Breather. Now I seem to have an issue with my steering. Steering feels a little choppy as you turn left or right at slow.speeds. can hear a little creaking in the steering as well. Anyone have this happen to them. Thank you for your time.

 

[Digitalgp]

Yes, that sounds like its the steering shaft which often gets misdiagnosed as the electronic power steering rack (EPAS). If your able to get up in there and spray some white lithium grease on the u-joint and work it in it will temporarily get better, but you will need to replace it. If there is an issue with the electronic steering rack over 90% of the time it will trigger a warning on the dash

 

[mguy13sport]

I assume the subframe was lowered to get the PTU out which means the steering shaft was disconnected (or should have been). Perhaps it was not reconnected properly. The steering wheel should be clamped in place whenever disconnecting the shaft so everything aligns when reconnecting.