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Home >> Ford >> 2000 >> Contour SE, 2.5 L, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 1178 (Power Steering System) >> Removal And Installation >> Inner Tie Rod >> Removal

Inner Tie Rod: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mercury Mountaineer and 2005 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
CAUTION: The boots and clamps are designed to provide an airtight seal and protect the internal components of the steering gear. If the seal is not airtight the vacuum generated during turning will draw water and contamination into the gear causing premature damage.
CAUTION: Zip ties do not produce an airtight seal and must not be used.
CAUTION: The inner ball joint grease is not compatible with water and contamination trapped in the grease will degrade the life of the joint.
CAUTION: If present, the orientation of the vent tube must be noted so the boots and vent tubes can be installed in the correct location.
  1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING AND LIFTING .
  2. Loosen the tie-rod end jam nut.
  3. Remove and discard the cotter pin.
  4. Remove and discard the tie-rod end nut.
    5. CAUTION: Do not damage the tie-rod boot when installing the special tool.
    Fig 1: Separating Tie-Rod End From Wheel Knuckle Using Special Tool
    G03945476Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  5. Using the special tool, separate the tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle.
    6. NOTE: Count the number of turns required to remove the tie-rod end for reference during installation.
  6. Remove the tie-rod end.
  7. Remove the tie-rod end jam nut.
    8. NOTE: A new outer bellows clamp must be installed.
  8. Remove and discard the outer bellows clamp.
    9. NOTE: A new inner bellows clamp must be installed.
  9. Remove and discard the inner bellows clamp.
  10. Remove the steering gear bellows.
    11. CAUTION: Place the steering gear at the center position. Use a 1 1/16 in. crowfoot on the flat of the rack gear to resist rotation and to prevent damage during removal and installation of the inner tie-rod.
    NOTE: If repairing the RH side, it will be necessary to pull back the LH inner tie rod boot to hold the steering gear.
    NOTE: An assistant may be needed for removal of the RH inner tie-rod.
    Fig 2: Removing Inner Tie-Rod Using Special Tool
    G03945486Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  11. Using the special tool, remove the inner tie-rod.
    12. CAUTION: Thoroughly remove any abrasive material. This material is extremely harmful to the steering gear.
  12. Thoroughly clean and inspect all the parts to be reused. Replace the parts as necessary.
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