Tie Rod: Installation

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 (right-hand) 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)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
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)

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NOTE: LH (left-hand) side shown, RH (right-hand) 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.
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NOTE: If equipped.

NOTE: 4WD (four-wheel drive) shown, RWD (rear wheel drive) similar.

Install the underbody shield and the underbody shield retainers.

Torque

: 30 lb.ft (40 Nm)

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NOTE: If equipped.

Install the underbody shield and install the underbody shield retainers.

Torque

: 30 lb.ft (40 Nm)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
NOTE: If equipped.

Install the underbody shield and install the underbody shield retainers.

Torque

: 30 lb.ft (40 Nm)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Thread the tie-rod end jam nut onto the inner tie rod.

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Install the tie rod end. Refer to: Tie Rod .