Tie Rod: Installation

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.

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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.
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

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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.
1. Install the outer tie rod end nut.
  Torque
  
  : 35 lb.ft (48 Nm)
2. Tighten the tie rod end jam nut.
  Torque
  
  : 66 lb.ft (90 Nm)
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If equipped, Install the under body shield and the retainers.
Torque

: 10 lb.in (1.1 Nm)

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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 .