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Home >> Ford >> 2000 >> Contour SE, 2.5 L, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 1548 (Steering Linkage) >> Removal And Installation >> Drag Link - Outer, F250-F350 Four Wheel Drive (4WD), F450, F550 >> Removal and Installation

Removal and Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Ford Pickup, 2006 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2006 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2006 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE: Install a new tie-rod end if the ball stud is loose in the socket or the tie-rod end is bent. Install a new steering linkage stud dust seal if any nicks, cuts or tears are present. Do not attempt to straighten the steering linkage components.
  1. Place the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position.
  2. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional, refer to JACKING & LIFTING .
  3. Loosen the 2 adjusting sleeve nuts.
    • To install, tighten to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).
  4. Loosen the adjusting sleeve bracket nut.
    • To install, tighten to 18 Nm (13 lb-ft).
  5. Remove the cotter pin, retainer cap and outer tie-rod end nut.
    • Discard the cotter pin.
      • To install, tighten to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft).
  6. Using the special tool, disconnect the outer tie-rod end from the drag link outer tie-rod end stud and the wheel knuckle.
    Fig 1: Identifying Special Tool
    G04644686Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    7. NOTE: Count the number of turns required to remove the tie-rod end for reference during assembly.
  7. Remove the drag link outer tie-rod end from the drag link adjusting sleeve.
    8. CAUTION: Make sure that the nut retainer cap is correctly positioned to allow for cotter pin installation. Do not tighten or loosen the nut to align the retainer cap with the cotter pin hole. Overtightening of the fasteners may result in premature failure of steering linkage components.
    NOTE: To avoid premature wear, position the drag link outer tie-rod end so it is parallel with the wheel knuckle before tightening the outer tie-rod end nut.
    NOTE: When repairing the linkage clean the steering linkage damper shaft of all corrosion and dirt. Buff the damper shaft smooth. Repairing the linkage changes the damper travel slightly. A dirty/corroded shaft can damage the damper seal and create a leak.
  8. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
    • Check and, if necessary, align the front end. For additional information, refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION .
      Fig 2: Identifying Drag Link Tie-Rod End Position
      G04644687Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
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