Inner Tie Rod: Installation

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

Using the special tool, install the inner tie-rod.
- Tighten to 100 Nm (74 lb-ft).

NOTE: Apply steering gear grease to the steering gear bellows grooves in the inner tie-rod.

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

NOTE: Make sure the steering gear bellows is not twisted and the breather tube (if equipped) is securely inserted into the breather nipple of the steering gear bellows.

Position the inner tie-rod bellows clamp and install the bellows.
Using the special tool, install the inner bellows clamp.

Fig 1: Installing Inner Bellows Clamp
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Make sure that the end of the steering gear bellows is positioned between the 2 grooves on the inner tie-rod or an internal leak may result.

Install the outer bellows clamp.
Thread the tie-rod end jam nut onto the inner tie-rod.

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

Install the outer tie-rod to the inner tie-rod.

NOTE: The hex holding feature can be used to prevent turning of the stud while installing the nut.

Install the tie-rod end nut.
- Tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
Tighten the tie-rod end jam nut.
- Tighten to 80 Nm (59 lb-ft).
Check and, if necessary, adjust the front toe. For additional information, refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION .