Tie Rod. Removal and Installation

Special Service Tools / General Equipment

Materials

Removal

NOTICE: When servicing the inner tie rods, install a new boot and clamps. The boots and clamps are designed to seal and protect the internal components of the steering gear. If the seal is not airtight, the vacuum created during steering, water and contaminants can enter the gear housing, resulting in damage to the steering gear components. Zip ties must not be used, as they do not provide an airtight seal.

NOTICE: Inner tie-rod ball joint grease is incompatible with water contamination. Do not allow water to contact the grease or joint degradation and failure may occur.

1. 1
   Remove the wheel and tire. Refer to: Wheels and Tires (204-04A Wheels and Tires, Removal and Installation).
2. 2

   NOTICE: Do not use a hammer to separate the outer tie rod end from the steering knuckle, otherwise damage to the steering knuckle may occur.

   NOTICE: Use care when installing the tie rod end removal tool, otherwise the outer boot of the cross tie rod end may be damaged.

   1. Loosen the tie rod end locknut.
      Torque: 46 lb-ft (63 N·m)

   2. Remove and discard the outer cross tie rod end nut.
      Torque: 39 lb-ft (53 N·m)

   3. Remove the tie rod end.
      Use common equipment: tie rod end remover.

   

3. 3
   Remove and discard the steering gear boot clamp and boot.
   Use common equipment: boot clamp pliers

   

4. 4
   Remove the O-ring.

   

5. 5

   NOTICE: Position the steering gear in the center position and hold the steering rack while loosening or tightening the inner tie rod. Use a correctly sized wrench on the flat surface/teeth of the rack to resist rotation and prevent damage when removing the inner tie rod.

   Remove the tie rod.
   Use common equipment: tie rod remover and installer.
   Torque: 61 lb-ft (83 N·m)

   

Installation

1. 1
   To install, reverse the removal procedure.
2. 2

   NOTICE: Thoroughly remove any abrasive material, otherwise the steering gear may be damaged.

   Clean the specified area. Install the O-ring included in the boot kit.

   

3. 3
   Apply the specified grease to the steering gear pinion contact surface and the boot groove on the inner tie rod.
   Material: Motorcraft® Premium Long-Life Grease / XG-1-E1 (ESA-M1C75-B)

   

4. 4
   Check and adjust the front toe if necessary.
   Refer to: Front Toe Adjustment (204-00 Suspension System - General Information, General Procedures).