Ford Fusion: Power Steering / Tie Rod. Removal and Installation

Special Tool(s) / General Equipment

Materials

Removal

NOTICE: When servicing inner tie rods, install a new bellows boot and clamps. The boots and clamps are designed to provide an airtight seal and protect the internal components of the steering gear. If the seal is not airtight, the vacuum generated during turning will draw water and contamination into the gear, causing failure of the steering gear components. Zip ties must not be used as they do not provide an airtight seal.

NOTICE: The inner ball joint grease is not compatible with water contamination. Do not allow water to become trapped in the grease or degradation and failure of the joint may occur.

NOTE: If the RH inner tie rod is being serviced, remove the LH outer tie rod end and bellows boot to access and hold the steering rack when loosening and tightening the inner tie rod.

1. NOTICE: Disconnect the battery ground cable anytime the steering linkage is being serviced or damage to the steering gear may occur resulting in steering gear replacement.

   Disconnect the battery ground cable.
   Refer to: Battery Disconnect and Connect (414-01 Battery, Mounting and Cables, General Procedures).
   

1. Remove the wheel and tire.
   Refer to: Wheel and Tire (204-04A Wheels and Tires, Removal and Installation).
   

1. Remove the retainers and the underbody shield.
   

1. NOTICE: Do not use a hammer to separate the outer tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle or damage to the wheel knuckle may result.

   NOTICE: Use care when installing the tie rod separator or damage to the outer tie-rod end boot may occur.

   NOTE: Count and record the number of turns required to remove the outer tie-rod end for reference during installation.

   1. Loosen the tie rod end jamb nut.
      
   2. Remove and discard the outer tie rod end nut.
      
   3. Separate the outer tie rod end from the wheel knuckle.
      Use the General Equipment: Tie Rod End Remover

1. If equipped.
   Remove the retainers and the steering gear heat shield.
   

1. Remove and discard the clamps and the steering gear bellows boot.
   

1. NOTICE: 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: An assistant will be needed 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.

   Remove the tie rod.
   Use the General Equipment: Tie Rod Remover and Installer

Installation

1. NOTICE: 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: An assistant will be needed 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: 77 lb.ft (105 Nm)

1. 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)

1. NOTICE: 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

1. If equipped.
   Position the steering gear heat shield and install the retainers.
   Torque: 71 lb.in (8 Nm)

1. Thread the tie rod end jam nut onto the tie rod.
   

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

   1. Install the outer tie rod end and attach it to the wheel knuckle.
      
   2. Install the outer tie rod end nut.
      Torque: 111 lb.ft (150 Nm)
   3. Tighten the tie rod end jam nut.
      Torque: 76 lb.ft (103 Nm)

1. NOTICE: Before installing the shield, inspect the bellows for nicks or tears or damage may result.

   Install the under body shield and the retainers.
   

1. Install the wheel and tire.
   Refer to: Wheel and Tire (204-04A Wheels and Tires, Removal and Installation).
   

1. Connect the battery ground cable.
   Refer to: Battery Disconnect and Connect (414-01 Battery, Mounting and Cables, General Procedures).
   

1. Check and if necessary, adjust front toe.
   Refer to: Front Toe Adjustment (204-00 Suspension System - General Information, General Procedures).