Tie Rod - Inner: Removal

NOTE: The steering gear bellows boots and clamps are designed to provide an airtight seal and protect the internal components of the steering gear. If the seal is not airtight, the vacuum generated during turning will draw water and foreign material into the gear causing damage. Zip ties do not produce an airtight seal and must not be used.

NOTE: The inner tie-rod ball joint grease is not compatible with water. Water trapped in the grease may damage the joint.

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING & LIFTING .

NOTE: Disconnect the Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS) steering gear power supply electrical connector or damage to the steering gear internal power relay may occur resulting in steering gear replacement.

NOTE: The ignition must be off when disconnecting Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS) electrical connectors. Failure to follow this direction may lead to DTCs being set in the EPAS module that can not be cleared, and result in the need to install a new EPAS assembly.

Fig 1: Locating Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS) Power Supply Electrical Connector

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Release the red Connector Position Assurance (CPA) feature and disconnect the Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS) power supply electrical connector.
Remove the front wheels and tires. For additional information, refer to WHEELS & TIRES .
Remove the front crossmember brace. For additional information, refer to Crossmember Brace-Exploded View in BODY SYSTEM - UNI-BODY, SUBFRAME & MOUNTING SYSTEM .
Loosen the 2 tie-rod end jam nuts.
Remove and discard the 2 outer tie-rod end nuts.
Using the Tie-Rod End Remover, separate the outer tie-rod ends from the wheel knuckles.

Fig 2: Disconnecting Tie-Rod End From Wheel Knuckles
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Count the number of turns required to remove the tie-rod end for reference during installation.

Remove the outer tie-rod ends.
Remove the 2 tie-rod end jam nuts.

NOTE: Install new bellows boot clamps.

Remove and discard the 2 inner and 2 outer bellows boot clamps.
Remove the 2 steering gear bellows boots.

NOTE: Note the orientation of the steering stops for reference during installation.

Fig 3: Locating Outboard Edge Of Steering Stops

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Place a open end wrench against the outboard edge of the steering stops and tap the wrench with a hammer to separate the steering stops from the inner tie rods.
Using an assistant, loosen both inner tie rods at the same time.
- Remove and discard both inner tie rods and steering stops.
  
  Fig 4: Locating Inner Tie Rods And Steering Stops
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.