Tie Rod - Inner: Installation

NOTE: 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.
NOTE: 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: Crowfoot style inner tie rod tool shown in the illustration.

Position the steering gear left of center and, while holding the steering gear rack, use a suitable crowfoot style inner tie rod tool (such as Snap On® stock # YA3000B), or an appropriate-sized crowfoot wrench to install the inner tie rod.
- Tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
Fig 1: Installing Inner Tie Rod Using Crowfoot Style Inner Tie Rod Tool
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: 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 in the illustration, 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: Positioning Steering Gear Bellows Boot Onto Inner Tie Rod
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using the Boot Clamp Pliers, 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 .