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:
Replace the drag link if the ball stud is loose in the socket or the drag link is bent. Replace the steering linkage stud dust seal if any nicks, cuts, or tears are present. Do not attempt to straighten the steering linkage components.
- Place the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position.
- With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING AND LIFTING .
- Loosen the adjusting sleeve nuts and the adjusting sleeve bracket nut.
- Remove the cotter pin and the inner tie-rod end nut.
- Discard the cotter pin.
- Using the special tool, disconnect and position the inner tie-rod end aside.
- Remove the cotter pin and the drag link-to-sector shaft arm nut.
- Discard the cotter pin.
- Using the special tool, disconnect the drag link from the sector shaft arm.
- Remove the drag link.
- Remove the adjusting sleeve bracket.
- 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 drag link for reference during assembly.
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.