Tie Rod - Inner: Installation

Position the new steering stops on the steering gear with the open end facing outward, apply 3-4 drops of the specified threadlock to the inner tie rod threads and install the inner tie rods to the steering gear hand tight.
Have an assistant hold the tie rod opposite of the one being tightened.
- Using a suitable crowfoot wrench, tighten the inner tie rod to 100 Nm (74 lb-ft).
- Repeat on the opposite side.
  
  Fig 1: Locating Inner Tie Rods And Steering Stops
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Install the steering stops using hand force only. Striking the steering stops may cause damage to the stops.

NOTE: An audible click will be heard when the steering stop seats onto the inner tie rod. Make sure that the steering stops are fully seated and cannot be separated by hand.

Fig 2: Identifying Steering Stops Onto Inner Tie Rods

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the steering stops onto the inner tie rods using hand force only.
Apply the specified grease to the steering gear-to-bellows boot mating surfaces and bellows boot grooves on the inner tie-rod.

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 2 steering gear bellows boots.
Using boot clamp pliers, install a 2 new inner bellows boot clamps.

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

Install a 2 new outer bellows boot clamps.
Thread the tie-rod end jam nuts onto the inner tie rods.

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

Install the outer tie-rod ends on the inner tie rods.
Position the outer tie-rod ends to the wheel knuckle and install the 2 new tie-rod end nuts.
- Tighten to 80 Nm (59 lb-ft).
Tighten the 2 tie-rod end jam nuts.
- Tighten to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).
Install the front crossmember brace. For additional information, refer to Crossmember Brace-Exploded View in BODY SYSTEM - UNI-BODY, SUBFRAME & MOUNTING SYSTEM .

NOTE: Make sure the Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS) electrical connector is fully seated and the Connector Position Assurance (CPA) feature is engaged.

Fig 3: Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS) Power Supply Electrical Connector

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Connect the Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS) power supply electrical connector and secure the red Connector Position Assurance (CPA) feature.
Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock to assure the steering stops are fully seated.
Check and, if necessary, adjust the front toe. For additional information, refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION .