Inner Tie Rod: Installation

Using the special tool, install the inner tie rod.
- Tighten to 120 Nm (89 lb-ft).

Fig 1: Identifying Special Tool & Inner Tie-Rod

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Apply steering gear grease to the steering gear bellows boot groove in 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.

Fig 2: Inner Bellows Boot Clamp

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.

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

CAUTION: Make sure that the tie-rod end boots are seated correctly on the tie-rod ends or premature failure can occur.

Connect the tie-rod end to the wheel knuckle and install a new tie-rod end nut.
- Tighten to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft).

Fig 3: Outer Tie-Rod End

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Tighten the tie-rod end 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 article.