OEM 2009 Ford F-150 Tie Rod

2009 Ford F-150 Tie Rod Parts Q&A

• Q: How to service and repair the inner tie rod on 2009 Ford F-150?

  A: Service and repair operations for inner tie rod should begin by placing the vehicle in neutral position at a hoist. The tie-rod jam nut needs loosening before removing the outer tie-rod end nut that you will discard. Separate the outer tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle with the Ball Joint Tool Separator while making a note of turn counts since these values will help during reinstallation. The maintenance of the inner tie rod begins by removing both the tie-rod end and the tie-rod jam nut from the end of the rod. Discard both clamps and pull away the bellows boot from the base of the steering gear. Position the steering gear at its center and use the correct size crowfoot wrench on the rack gear flat to stop the inner tie rod from turning. Assistance may be needed for removing the right-hand side. Review all parts intended for re-use then install necessary new components. Steer the steering gear towards the center position before using the crowfoot wrench to establish the inner tie rod while tightening it to 120 Nm (89 lb-ft). Before installation of the inner tie rod apply grease to both sides of the bellows boot groove and position it correctly at the steering gear housing bead. Fit the steering gear bellows boot onto its position while using Boot Clamp Pliers to tighten a new inner bellows boot clamp securely. You must position the steering gear bellows end in the middle of the two grooves on the inner tie rod to block internal leakage before using a new outer bellows boot clamp installation. Install the tie-rod end on the inner tie rod by threading in the jam nut and repeat the same turns as initially removed. Secure the tie-rod end with the wheel knuckle but install a new tie-rod end nut then tighten it to 85 lb-ft (115 Nm). Finally adjust the front toe by tightening the tie-rod end jam nut to 103 Nm (76 lb-ft).