Tie Rod: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2015 Ford F-150. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

1.

Position the new steering stop.

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

2.

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

NOTE: The help of an assistant may be necessary to torque the RH inner tie rod.

Using an appropriate-sized wrench on the flat/teeth to hold the rack and an appropriate size crows foot wrench or open end wrench, install the inner tie rod.

Torque

: 89 lb.ft (120 Nm)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

3.

NOTE: Install the steering stop using hand force only. Striking the steering stop may cause damage to the stop.

NOTE: An audible click will be heard when the steering stop seats onto the inner tie rod. Make sure that the steering stop is fully seated and cannot be separated by hand.

Install the steering stop onto the inner tie rod using hand force only.

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

4.

Apply the specified grease to the steering gear-to-bellows boot mating surface and bellows boot groove on the inner tie-rod.
Material

: Premium Long-Life Grease / XG-1-E1 (ESA-M1C75-B)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

5.

NOTE: LH side shown in illustration, RH side similar.
- 1.
  
  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.
- 2.
  
  Install the new inner bellows boot clamp.
  Use the General Equipment: Boot Clamp Pliers
- 3.
  
  Install the new outer bellows boot clamp.

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

6.

NOTE: If equipped.

NOTE: 4WD shown in illustration, RWD similar.

Install the underbody shield and the underbody shield bolts.

Torque

: 30 lb.ft (40 Nm)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

7.

NOTE: If equipped.

Install the underbody shield and install the 2 underbody shield bolts.

Torque

: 30 lb.ft (40 Nm)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

8.

NOTE: If equipped.

Install the underbody shield and install the 4 underbody shield bolts.

Torque

: 30 lb.ft (40 Nm)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

9.

Thread the tie-rod end jam nut onto the inner tie rod.

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

10.

Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock to assure the steering stops are fully seated.

11.

Install the tie rod end. Refer to: Tie Rod End .