Tie Rod - Inner: Installation

CAUTION: Thoroughly remove any abrasive material. This material is extremely harmful to the steering gear.

Thoroughly clean and inspect all parts to be reused. Replace any parts as necessary.

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

NOTE: Crow's-foot style inner tie rod tool shown.

While holding the steering gear rack, use a suitable crow's-foot style inner tie rod tool, or an appropriate sized crow's-foot wrench to install the inner tie rod.
- Tighten to 110 Nm (81 lb-ft).

Fig 1: Installing Inner Tie Rod

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Make sure the bellows boot is correctly aligned with the vent tube and the raised alignment mark on the steering gear. Incorrect venting may lead to internal steering gear component damage.

NOTE: Right side shown, left side similar.

NOTE: To prevent the bellows boot from twisting during toe adjustment, apply the specified grease to the groove in the tie rod and uniformly to the inner diameter of the boot.

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

Install the steering gear bellows boot.

Fig 2: Aligning Bellows Boot With Vent Tube

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using the special tool, install a new inner bellows boot clamp.

Fig 3: Installing Inner Bellows Boot Clamp

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install a new outer bellows boot clamp.
Install the tie-rod jam nut onto the inner tie rod.
Install the outer tie-rod end. For additional information, refer to Tie Rod - Outer .
Check and if necessary, adjust the front toe. For additional information, refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article.