Tie Rod: Installation
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NOTE: Place the steering gear at the center position and hold the steering gear rack while loosening or 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 removal of the inner tie rod.NOTE: Use an assistant 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.
Install the tie rod. Use the General Equipment: Tie Rod Remover and Installer
Torque: 61 lb.ft (83 Nm)
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NOTE: Make sure to install the O-ring seal provided with the bellows boot kit or a leak may occur.
Install the O-ring seal provided with the bellows boot kit.
- 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: Make sure the steering gear bellows is positioned correctly over the steering gear housing bead and the grooves in the inner tie-rod casting.
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NOTE: Make sure 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.
Install the new steering gear bellows boot and new clamps. Use the General Equipment: Boot Clamp Pliers
- Thread the tie rod end jam nut onto the tie rod.
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NOTE: Install the outer tie rod the same number of turns recorded during removal.
- Install the outer tie rod end nut.
Torque: 35 lb.ft (48 Nm)
- Tighten the tie rod end jam nut.
Torque: 66 lb.ft (90 Nm)
- Install the outer tie rod end nut.
- If equipped, Install the under body shield and the retainers.
Torque: 10 lb.in (1.1 Nm)
- Install the wheel and tire Refer to: WHEEL AND TIRE .
- Connect the battery ground cable. Refer to: BATTERY DISCONNECT AND CONNECT .
- Check and if necessary, adjust front toe. Refer to: FRONT TOE ADJUSTMENT .