This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the outer tie rod end on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine, including proper torque specifications and alignment preparation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Outer tie rod end (left or right as needed) × 1 — Moog EV800879 or equivalent OEM
• Cotter pin × 1 — 1/8 inch diameter x 1.5 inch length

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is still on ground
3. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands under the frame rails
4. Remove wheel completely from side being serviced
5. Spray tie rod end castle nut, lock nut, and threaded area with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark tie rod position for alignment reference
   Before loosening any fasteners, use a marker or paint pen to mark the exact position of the outer tie rod end on the inner tie rod threads. Alternatively, count and record the number of exposed threads beyond the outer tie rod end. Measure and record the distance from the center of the tie rod end ball stud to a fixed reference point on the inner tie rod or adjustment sleeve. These measurements will help maintain approximate alignment during installation.
2. 2

   Remove cotter pin from castle nut
   Locate the castle nut on the tie rod end where it connects to the steering knuckle. Use needle nose pliers to straighten the cotter pin ends, then pull the cotter pin completely out and discard it. If the cotter pin is severely corroded, you may need to use diagonal cutters to cut it.
3. 3

   Remove tie rod end castle nut
   Using a 19mm wrench or socket, remove the castle nut from the tie rod end ball stud. Do not fully remove the nut initially - back it off until it is flush with the end of the stud to protect the threads during separation. The castle nut should come off with moderate effort; if extremely tight, apply more penetrating oil and wait.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Separate tie rod end from steering knuckle
   Use a tie rod end separator tool (pickle fork or ball joint fork) to separate the tie rod end taper from the steering knuckle. Position the tool between the tie rod end and knuckle, then strike with a hammer or use the screw-type separator until the taper breaks free. Once loose, remove the castle nut completely and pull the tie rod end stud out of the knuckle. If using a pickle fork, be aware this method may damage the tie rod end boot, which is acceptable since you are replacing the component.
   ⚠Keep hands and face clear when striking separator tool. The tie rod end may release suddenly.
5. 5

   Loosen tie rod lock nut
   Locate the lock nut (jam nut) where the outer tie rod end threads onto the inner tie rod or adjustment sleeve. Hold the outer tie rod end firmly with locking pliers or an adjustable wrench to prevent it from rotating. Use another wrench to loosen the lock nut several turns, but do not remove it completely yet. The lock nut typically requires significant force to break free.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod Lock Nut78 Nm (58 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove outer tie rod end
   Count the number of turns required as you unscrew the outer tie rod end from the inner tie rod threads in a counterclockwise direction. Record this number for reference during installation. Once the outer tie rod end is completely removed, also remove the lock nut from the inner tie rod threads. Inspect the inner tie rod threads for damage, corrosion, or stripping. Clean threads with a wire brush if necessary.
7. 7

   Prepare new outer tie rod end
   Compare the new outer tie rod end to the old component to verify it is the correct replacement (same thread pitch, overall length, and taper size). Thread the lock nut onto the inner tie rod first, positioning it several inches back from the end. Apply a light coating of anti-seize compound to the inner tie rod threads to prevent future corrosion and facilitate removal.
8. 8

   Install new outer tie rod end
   Thread the new outer tie rod end onto the inner tie rod in a clockwise direction. Use the reference marks or thread count from removal to install the new tie rod end to approximately the same position as the old one. Thread it on the same number of turns you counted during removal. This will get the alignment close enough for safe low-speed driving to an alignment shop.
   ℹ️The initial installation position is only an approximation. Professional alignment is still required.
9. 9

   Install tie rod end into steering knuckle
   Clean the taper hole in the steering knuckle with a wire brush to remove any dirt or corrosion. Insert the tie rod end ball stud into the steering knuckle taper hole. Thread the castle nut onto the ball stud by hand as far as possible, ensuring it threads smoothly without cross-threading.
10. 10

    Torque tie rod end castle nut
    Using a torque wrench, tighten the tie rod end castle nut to specification. After reaching proper torque, check that one of the castle nut slots aligns with the hole in the ball stud. If not aligned, tighten the nut further (up to 1/6 additional turn) until a slot aligns. Never loosen the nut to align the cotter pin hole. Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut and ball stud, then bend the ends over to secure it.
    ⚠Never back off (loosen) the castle nut to align the cotter pin hole. Only tighten further if needed.
    Torque spec

    Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Torque tie rod lock nut
    Hold the outer tie rod end body firmly with locking pliers or an adjustable wrench to prevent rotation. Slide the lock nut up against the outer tie rod end and tighten it to specification using a torque wrench. Ensure the outer tie rod end does not rotate during this process, or your alignment reference will be lost.
    ℹ️This torque specification applies now for temporary security. After professional alignment, the lock nut must be re-torqued to specification.
    Torque spec

    Tie Rod Lock Nut78 Nm (58 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the wheel onto the hub, threading lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern with a wrench, but do not fully torque yet. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground but most weight is still on the jack stands. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify the cotter pin is properly installed and bent to prevent the castle nut from loosening
2. Check that the tie rod lock nut is tight against the outer tie rod end body
3. Visually inspect the tie rod end boot for proper seating and absence of tears
4. Test steering wheel operation by turning lock-to-lock while stationary to ensure full range of motion without binding

Verification

• Start the engine and turn the steering wheel full left and full right while stationary, listening for any unusual noises or binding
• Perform a slow-speed test drive in a safe area, verifying that steering responds normally without pulling or wandering
• Schedule a professional front-end alignment immediately - this is NOT optional after tie rod replacement
• After alignment is completed, verify the tie rod lock nut has been re-torqued to 78 Nm (58 lb-ft) by the alignment technician

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