Tie Rod Ends, Boots & Ball Joints: Reassembly
- If pinion assembly was not removed from unit, turn gear near or against left stop and hold rack with open end adjustable wrench near rack end. Using Yoke Lock Nut Wrench (T81P-3504-G except Mustang; T74P-3504-U on Mustang), tighten each ball joint separately.
- If pinion assembly was removed from rack, hold one ball joint nut with a 1 3/16" wrench (except Mustang) or 1 5/16" wrench (Mustang), while tightening other nut to specification with Yoke Lock Nut Wrench (T81P-3504-G on Escort, Contour, Mystique and Tracer; T74P-3504-U on Mustang). See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
- Support ball housing with a wood block and install NEW roll pins in tie rod ball housing by tapping lightly with a plastic hammer. Reinstall pinion assembly. See PINION SHAFT & SPOOL VALVE ASSEMBLY .
- Thoroughly clean rack and housing bore. Apply Steering Gear Grease (C3AZ-19578-A) to groove in rods where boots clamp to tie rod. Install boots and breather tube. See Fig 1. Install NEW boot clamps. Install tie rod jam nuts. Apply Disc Brake Caliper Slide Grease (D7AZ-19590) to tie rod ends. Install outer tie rod ends on tie rods.
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.