In brief, older Ford Escapes that use a hydraulic power steering system have the pump mounted on the engine and belt-driven, while most newer Escapes use electric power steering (EPAS) and include no hydraulic pump in the engine bay.
Hydraulic power steering era: locating the pump
From the early years of the Escape line up through roughly the early 2010s, many trims relied on a hydraulic power steering system. In these setups, the pump is mounted on the front of the engine block and is driven by the serpentine belt. It typically sits on the outer side of the engine bay and is connected to the steering rack via high- and low-pressure hoses. The pump assembly will have a pulley and a reservoir (or be connected to a reservoir) for the hydraulic fluid.
To locate it on a hydraulic-PS Escape, follow these general clues: look for a metal pump with a pulley near the belt path, trace the belt from the crank pulley to the pump, and identify the two hoses feeding the steering rack (a high-pressure line and a return/low-pressure line). Note that exact placement can vary a bit by engine (for example, different 4-cylinder or V6 configurations).
- Open the hood and look for a reservoir labeled Power Steering Fluid, or a pump with associated hoses near the front of the engine.
- Trace the serpentine belt from the crank pulley to the next pulley that has hoses attached—this is typically the power steering pump.
- Check the area on the engine block where the pump is bolted; it is usually on the passenger or driver side of the engine, but positions can vary by engine type.
- Inspect for a two-hose connection to the steering rack and a reservoir that may be part of the pump assembly.
If you own an older Escape and you still can't locate the pump, consult the owner’s manual or a service manual for your exact engine code. Proper identification helps prevent misdiagnosis and accidental fluid leaks.
Electric power steering era: no hydraulic pump
Since around the mid-2010s, Ford shifted many Escapes to electric power steering (EPAS). In these models, there is no hydraulic pump or fluid reservoir in the engine bay. Instead, a motor integrated into the steering system (often mounted at the steering column or near the rack) provides assist, controlled by an electronic power steering control module. Because there’s no belt-driven pump or hydraulic lines, you won’t find a traditional power steering pump in these vehicles.
To determine which system your Escape uses, check the engine bay for a hydraulic fluid reservoir labeled Power Steering. If there is no such reservoir and you notice an electronic steering motor or a steering assist warning, your vehicle is likely EPAS. The owner’s manual or a dealer can confirm the exact configuration for your VIN and trim level.
How to verify which system your Escape uses
If you’re unsure which system your specific Escape employs, use these quick checks to confirm:
- Look under the hood for a power steering fluid reservoir. If present, you likely have hydraulic power steering (older models).
- Check for a belt-driven pump with hoses leading to the steering rack. Its absence suggests EPAS.
- Consult the owner’s manual or a dealer/repair manual for your exact model year and engine code to verify the steering system configuration.
Note that some hybrids or later models may have variations, so referencing the VIN-specific documentation is the most reliable method.
Summary
The location of the Ford Escape power steering component depends on the model year and drivetrain. Older Escapes with hydraulic power steering have a belt-driven pump mounted on the engine with associated hoses and a reservoir. Most newer Escapes use electric power steering and have no hydraulic pump in the engine bay, with the steering assist provided by an electric motor integrated into the steering system. When in doubt, check the owner's manual or contact a Ford dealer to confirm which system your vehicle uses for your exact year and trim.