Inner Tie Rod: Installation

CAUTION: Thoroughly remove any foreign material. This material is extremely harmful to the steering gear.

Using the special tool, install the inner tie rod.
- Tighten to 110 Nm (81 lb-ft).

NOTE: Apply steering gear grease to the steering gear bellows grooves in the inner tie rod.

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

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

Position the inner tie-rod bellows clamp and install the bellows.

NOTE: Using the special tool, install the inner bellows boot clamp.

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 result.

Install the outer bellows boot clamp.

Fig 1: Installing Outer Bellows Boot Clamp

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Thread the tie rod jam nut onto the inner tie rod.

NOTE: Install the outer tie rod the same number of turns recorded during removal.

Install the outer tie rod to the inner tie rod.

NOTE: The hex holding feature can be used to prevent turning of the stud while installing the nut.

Position the outer tie-rod end and install the nut.
- Tighten to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft).
Tighten the tie-rod end jam nut to 80 Nm (59 lb-ft).
Check and if necessary, align the front end. For additional information, refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article.