Inner Tie Rod: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 Ford Pickup. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Place the steering gear at the center position. Use an appropriate-sized crowfoot wrench on the flat of the rack gear to resist rotation and to prevent damage during the installation of the inner tie rod.

NOTE: An assistant may be needed for installation of the RH inner tie rod.

Using an appropriate-sized crowfoot wrench, install the inner tie rod.
- Tighten to 120 Nm (89 lb-ft).

NOTE: Apply the specified grease to the bellows boot groove on the inner tie rod.

NOTE: Make sure the steering gear bellows boot is positioned correctly over the steering gear housing bead and the groove in the inner tie rod.

Install the new steering gear bellows boot.
Using the Boot Clamp Pliers, install a new inner bellows boot clamp.

Fig 1: Installing Inner Bellows Boot Clamp Using Boot Clamp Pliers
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Make sure the end of the steering gear bellows is positioned between the 2 grooves on the inner tie rod or an internal leak can result.

Install a new outer bellows boot clamp.
Thread the tie-rod jam nut onto the inner tie rod.

NOTE: Install the outer tie-rod end the same number of turns as recorded during the removal.

Install the outer tie-rod end.

NOTE: Make sure that the tie-rod end boots are seated correctly on the tie-rod ends or failure may occur.

Connect the outer tie-rod end to the wheel knuckle and install a new tie-rod end nut.
- Tighten the new nut to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft).
Tighten the tie-rod jam nut.
- Tighten to 103 Nm (76 lb-ft).
Check and if necessary, adjust the front toe. For additional information, REFER to SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION .