Removal and Installation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Ford Pickup, 2005 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2005 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2005 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 steering linkage components.
- Place the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position.
- Remove the RH wheel and tire assembly. For additional information, refer to WHEELS AND TIRES .
- Loosen the adjusting sleeve nut.
- Loosen the adjusting sleeve bracket nut.
- Remove the cotter pin and the RH tie-rod end nut.
- Discard the cotter pin.
- Using the special tool, disconnect the RH tie-rod end from the drag link tie-rod end stud and remove the tie-rod end.
- Position the tie-rod end so it is parallel with the wheel knuckle before tightening the tie-rod end nut.
- To install, reverse the removal procedure.
- Check the front wheel toe setting. For additional information, refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION .
NOTE:
Count the number of turns required to remove the tie-rod end for reference during assembly.
NOTE:
This will avoid premature wear.
NOTE:
When repairing the linkage clean the 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.
NOTE:
If the cotter pin does not line up with the slot in the nut, increase the torque until the next slot in the nut aligns with the hole in the stud. Never loosen the nut to align the slot.