Tie Rod: Service and Repair
REMOVAL1. Remove the tie rod end.
2. Remove the tie rod end jam nut.
3. Remove the inner and outer front suspension steering ball stud dust seal clamps.
4. Remove the front suspension steering ball stud dust seal.
5. Use (A) Inner Tie Rod Socket Tool D9OP-3290-A or equivalent to remove the (B) front wheel spindle tie rod.
CAUTION: Place the steering gear at the center position. Use a 20mm crowfoot on the flat of the steering gear sector shaft to resist rotation and prevent damage during removal and installation.
NOTE: An assistant may be needed for removal of the RH front wheel spindle tie rod.
6. Thoroughly clean and inspect all the parts to be reused. Replace the parts as necessary.
CAUTION: Thoroughly remove any abrasive material. This material is extremely harmful to the steering gear sector shaft and the power steering gear input shaft and control.
INSTALLATION
1. Use the Inner Tie Rod Socket Tool D9OP-3290-A or equivalent and install the front wheel spindle tie rod.
^ Lubricate the steering gear sector shaft teeth with Steering Gear Grease C3AZ-19578-A or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESW-M1C87-A.
NOTE: Secure the steering gear sector shaft using the 20mm crowfoot.
2. Check the front wheel spindle tie rod function by moving it in various directions.
3. Install the front suspension steering ball stud dust seal.
^ Lubricate the front wheel spindle tie rod inner groove with Steering Gear Grease C3AZ-19578-A or equivalent meeting Ford specification SW-M1C87-A where the front suspension steering ball stud dust seal is clamped.
^ Check that the front suspension steering ball stud dust seal is positioned correctly over the steering gear housing bead at the large inside diameter (ID) and is in the front wheel spindle tie rod groove at the small ID.
^ Check that the front suspension steering ball stud dust seal is not twisted and the breather tube is securely inserted into the breather nipple at both front suspension steering ball stud dust seals.
4. Install the inner and outer front suspension steering ball stud dust seal clamps.
5. Apply Silicone Brake Caliper Grease and Dielectric Compound D7AZ-19A331-A or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESE-M1C171-A to the front wheel spindle tie rod threads and install the tie rod end jam nut.
6. Install the tie rod end.