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 boot and clamps are designed to seal and protect the internal steering gear components. If the seal is not airtight, vacuum created during steering, water and contaminants can enter the gear, resulting in steering gear component failure. Do not use cable ties, 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

   NOTICE: Disconnect the battery ground cable whenever the steering linkage is serviced, or damage to the steering gear may occur, which may result in steering gear replacement.

   Disconnect the battery ground cable.
   Refer to: Battery Disconnect and Connect (414-01 Battery, Mounting and Cables, General Procedures).
2. 2
   Remove the wheel and tire.
   Refer to: Wheels and Tires (204-04A Wheels and Tires, Removal and Installation).
3. 3
   Remove the clips and the underbody shield.

   

4. 4

   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 separator, as damage to the outer tie rod end boot may occur.

   1. Loosen the steering tie-rod end jam nut.

   2. Remove and discard the outer steering tie-rod end nut.

   3. Separate the outer tie rod end from the steering knuckle.
      Use common service equipment: tie rod end remover.

   

5. 5
   If equipped.
   Remove the steering gear clips and heat shield.

   

6. 6
   Remove and discard the steering gear bellows boot clamps and boot.

   

7. 7

   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 steering tie-rod.
   Use the common service tool: Tie-Rod End Remover and Installer.

   

Installation

1. 1

   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.

   Install the steering tie-rod.
   Use the common service tool: Tie-Rod End Remover and Installer.
   Torque: 77 lb-ft (105 N·m)

   

2. 2
   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)

   

3. 3

   NOTICE: Make sure the end of the steering gear bellows boot is located between the 2 grooves on the inner tie-rod, or leakage may occur.

   Install a new steering gear boot and new clamps.
   Use the common service tool: Boot Clamp Pliers.

   

4. 4
   If equipped.
   Position the steering gear heat shield and install the clips.
   Torque: 71 lb-in (8 N·m)

   

5. 5
   Thread the tie-rod end locknut onto the steering tie-rod.

   

6. 6
   1. Install the outer steering tie-rod end and attach it to the steering knuckle.

   2. Install the outer steering tie-rod end nut.
      Torque: 111 lb-ft (150 N·m)

   3. Tighten the steering tie-rod end jam nut.
      Torque: 76 lb-ft (103 N·m)

   

7. 7

   NOTICE: Before installing the shield, inspect the bellows for nicks or tears, or damage may occur.

   Install the underbody shield and clips.

   

8. 8
   Install the wheel and tire.
   Refer to: Wheels and Tires (204-04A Wheels and Tires, Removal and Installation).
9. 9
   Connect the battery ground cable.
   Refer to: Battery Disconnect and Connect (414-01 Battery, Mounting and Cables, General Procedures).
10. 10
    Check and adjust the front toe if necessary.
    Refer to: Front Toe Adjustment (204-00 Suspension System - General Information, General Procedures).