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Inner Tie Rod: Removal

CAUTION: The boots and clamps are designed to provide an airtight seal and protect the internal components of the steering gear. If the seal is not airtight the vacuum generated during turning will draw water and contamination into the gear causing premature damage.
CAUTION: Zip ties do not produce an airtight seal and must not be used.
CAUTION: The inner ball joint grease is not compatible with water and contamination trapped in the grease will degrade the life of the joint.
CAUTION: If present, the orientation of the vent tube must be noted so the boots and vent tubes can be installed in the correct location.
  1. Remove the wheel and tire assembly. Refer to WHEELS & TIRES .
  2. Loosen the tie-rod end jam nuts.
    Fig 1: Loosening Tie-Rod End Jam Nuts
    G03424598Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  3. Remove and discard the cotter pins and nuts.
    Fig 2: Discarding Cotter Pins And Nuts
    G03424599Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    4. CAUTION: Do not damage the tie-rod end boot when installing the special tool.
    Fig 3: Disconnecting Tie-Rod Ends
    G03424600Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  4. Using the special tool, disconnect the tie-rod ends.
    5. NOTE: Note the number of times the tie-rod ends turn for assembly reference.
    Fig 4: Removing Tie-Rod Ends
    G03424601Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  5. Remove the tie-rod ends.
  6. Remove the tie-rod end jam nut.
    7. NOTE: If repairing the RH side, it will be necessary to pull back the LH inner tie rod boot to hold the steering gear.
    Fig 5: Removing Inner And Outer Front Suspension Steering Ball Stud Boot Seal Clamps
    G03424602Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  7. Remove the inner and outer front suspension steering ball stud boot seal clamps.
  8. Remove the front suspension steering ball stud boot seal.
    Fig 6: Removing Front Suspension Steering Ball Stud Boot Seal
    G03424603Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    9. CAUTION: Place the steering gear at the center position. Use an adjustable wrench on the flat of the rack gear to resist rotation and to prevent damage during removal and installation of the front wheel spindle tie-rod.
    NOTE: An assistant may be needed for removal of the RH front wheel spindle tie-rod.
    Fig 7: Removing Front Wheel Spindle Tie-Rod
    G03424604Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  9. Using the (A) special tool, remove the (B) front wheel spindle tie-rod.
    10. CAUTION: Thoroughly remove any abrasive material. This material is extremely harmful to the steering gear.
  10. Thoroughly clean and inspect all the parts to be reused. Replace the parts as necessary.
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