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Tie Rod: Installation

  1. Position the new steering stop.
    GFD291619Courtesy 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)

    GFD291620Courtesy 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.

    GFD291621Courtesy 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

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

    GFD291611Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  5. NOTE: LH side shown, 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.

    GFD291622Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  6. NOTE: If equipped.
    NOTE: 4WD shown, RWD similar.

    Install the underbody shield and the underbody shield bolts.

    Torque: 30 lb.ft (40 Nm)

    GFD291599Courtesy 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)

    GFD291598Courtesy 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)

    GFD291597Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  9. Thread the tie-rod end jam nut onto the inner tie rod.
    GFD291613Courtesy 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 .