Tie Rod - Inner: Installation

NOTE: The steering gear rack must be held while loosening or tightening the inner tie rod or damage to the steering gear may occur. Place the steering gear at the center position. Use an appropriate-sized wrench on the flat/teeth of the rack to resist rotation and to prevent damage during removal of the inner tie rod.

NOTE: An assistant will be needed to hold the steering gear rack on the LH side when servicing the RH inner tie-rod.

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

While holding the steering gear rack, use a suitable crowfoot style inner tie-rod tool, or an appropriate-sized crowfoot wrench to install the inner tie rod.
- Tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 1: Locating Crowfoot Style Inner Tie-Rod Tool
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Apply the specified grease to the steering gear-to-bellows boot mating surfaces and bellows boot grooves in the inner tie-rod casting.

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

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

Position the new inner bellows boot clamp(s) on the new bellows boot(s) and install the bellows boot(s).

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

Fig 2: Tightening Inner Bellows Boot Clamp Using Boot Clamp Plier

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using the Boot Clamp Pliers, tighten the inner bellows boot clamp(s).
Install the new outer bellows boot clamp(s).
Thread the tie-rod jam nut(s) onto the inner tie rod(s).
Install the outer tie-rod end(s). 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 .