Removal and Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Milan, 2006 Lincoln Zephyr, and 2006 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the steering gear. For additional information, refer to STEERING GEAR .
Mark the pinion shaft and the steering gear housing for correct reference during installation.

Fig 1: Locating Pinion Shaft And Steering Gear Mark
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Position the steering gear in a soft-jaw vise or damage to the steering gear can occur.

Loosen the tie-rod end jam nut and remove the outer tie-rod end.
- To install, tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).

NOTE: It is necessary to remove both bellows boots when removing the RH inner tie-rod end.

Remove the 4 bellow clamps and the 2 steering gear bellows boots.
Using a suitable wrench, hold the piston shaft.
Using a suitable wrench, remove the inner tie-rod end.
- To install, tighten to 103 Nm (76 lb-ft).

NOTE: Using a suitable wrench, hold the piston shaft while tightening the inner tie rod.

NOTE: The new rock washer must be crimped after tightening the inner tie rod end.

To install, reverse the removal procedure.