Replace the inner tie rod end on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost 4WD, requiring steering rack removal and professional alignment afterward.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Inner tie rod end × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Outer tie rod end × 1 — Often replaced with inner
• Cotter pin × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Power steering line O-rings × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Steering rack bushings × 2 — Inspect and replace if worn

Fluids

• Motorcraft MERCON LV — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Mark the steering wheel center position with tape or marker
3. Raise and support vehicle securely on jack stands at frame points
4. Remove front wheel on affected side
5. Spray all tie rod connections and steering rack bolts with penetrating oil
6. Place drain pan under steering rack area

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove outer tie rod end
   Remove cotter pin from outer tie rod castle nut. Loosen the castle nut but do not remove completely. Use tie rod separator or pickle fork to separate the outer tie rod from the steering knuckle. Remove castle nut and tie rod end. Mark the position of the outer tie rod on the inner tie rod threads for reference.
2. 2

   Access steering rack
   Remove skid plate or splash shield to access steering rack. On 4WD models, you may need to lower the front differential slightly for clearance. Support the differential with a jack if lowering is required.
3. 3

   Disconnect power steering lines
   Using line wrenches to prevent rounding, disconnect the power steering pressure and return lines from the steering rack. Allow fluid to drain into pan. Cap or plug the lines and rack ports to prevent contamination. Remove and discard old O-rings from fittings.
   ⚠Power steering fluid is slippery and will contaminate brakes. Avoid contact with brake components and clean any spills immediately.
4. 4

   Disconnect intermediate steering shaft
   Mark the relationship between the intermediate shaft and steering rack input shaft. Remove the pinch bolt from the intermediate shaft coupling at the steering rack. Slide the intermediate shaft off the rack input shaft.
   ⚠Do not rotate the steering wheel with the intermediate shaft disconnected or the clockspring may be damaged.
5. 5

   Remove steering rack mounting bolts
   Support the steering rack with a jack or have an assistant hold it. Remove the steering rack mounting bolts from the crossmember. Carefully lower the rack enough to access the inner tie rod.
   Torque spec

   Rack Bolts117 Nm (86 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove bellows boot
   Loosen the clamps securing the rubber bellows boot to the steering rack and inner tie rod. Slide the boot away from the inner tie rod to expose the tie rod connection to the rack.
7. 7

   Remove inner tie rod
   Using the inner tie rod removal tool, unscrew the inner tie rod from the steering rack. The tool grips the flats on the inner tie rod housing. Turn counterclockwise to remove. Some fluid may drain from the rack during removal.
   ℹ️Do not use heat or excessive force. The tie rod should unscrew smoothly with the proper tool.
8. 8

   Install new inner tie rod
   Clean the threads on the steering rack with a wire brush. Apply a light coat of thread locker to the new inner tie rod threads. Thread the new inner tie rod into the steering rack by hand, then tighten using the inner tie rod tool. Torque to the manufacturer's specification (typically requires special tool with torque adapter).
9. 9

   Reinstall bellows boot
   Slide the bellows boot back into position over the inner tie rod connection. Ensure the boot is not twisted and sits properly in its grooves. Tighten the clamps securely but do not overtighten and damage the boot.
10. 10

    Reinstall steering rack
    Lift the steering rack into position against the crossmember. Install the rack mounting bolts and tighten to specification. Ensure rack is properly seated before torquing.
    Torque spec

    Rack Bolts117 Nm (86 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect intermediate shaft
    Align the marks made during disassembly and slide the intermediate shaft onto the steering rack input shaft. Install the pinch bolt and tighten to specification.
12. 12

    Reconnect power steering lines
    Install new O-rings on the power steering line fittings, lightly lubricating with power steering fluid. Thread the fittings into the steering rack by hand to avoid cross-threading. Tighten the power steering line fittings to specification using line wrenches.
    Torque spec

    Power Steering Line Fittings30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install outer tie rod end
    Thread the outer tie rod end onto the new inner tie rod to approximately the same position marked during removal. This provides a baseline for alignment. Insert the outer tie rod stud into the steering knuckle. Install the castle nut and tighten to specification. Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut and stud.
    Torque spec

    Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall components and fill power steering
    Reinstall skid plate or splash shield. If differential was lowered, raise and secure it. Reinstall wheel and torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Lower vehicle. Fill power steering reservoir with Motorcraft MERCON LV fluid to proper level.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Bleed power steering system
    Start engine and turn steering wheel lock-to-lock several times while checking fluid level. Add fluid as needed. Check for leaks at all power steering connections. Turn steering wheel to center position and verify smooth operation without noise.
    ⚠Do not hold steering wheel at full lock for more than 5 seconds as this can damage the power steering pump.

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification
2. Check power steering fluid level after test drive and top off if needed
3. Inspect for any power steering leaks at line connections and rack seals
4. Verify steering returns to center smoothly and there are no unusual noises

Verification

• Schedule professional wheel alignment immediately - vehicle is unsafe to drive without proper alignment
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify steering operates smoothly
• Verify no power steering leaks after test drive
• Confirm steering wheel is centered when driving straight (after alignment)
• Recheck all fasteners and power steering fluid level after 50-100 miles
• After alignment, torque tie rod lock nut to 78 Nm (58 lb-ft) to secure final adjustment

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