This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the tie rod assembly on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8 Coyote engine and 4WD, including proper torque specifications and alignment considerations.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Tie rod assembly (inner and outer) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pins × 2 — Standard automotive cotter pins
• Tie rod boot kit (if not included) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts on the affected side(s) while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands under frame rails
5. Remove wheel and tire assembly completely
6. Spray penetrating oil on tie rod end castle nut, tie rod lock nut, and steering knuckle taper if components show corrosion

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark tie rod position
   Before disassembly, measure and record the distance from the edge of the tie rod lock nut to the end of the outer tie rod end threads, or make alignment marks with paint marker on the inner tie rod threads where the outer tie rod end meets the adjustment sleeve. This helps maintain approximate toe setting during reassembly.
2. 2

   Remove outer tie rod end cotter pin and castle nut
   Use pliers to straighten and remove the cotter pin from the tie rod end castle nut at the steering knuckle. Using a 21mm socket, remove the castle nut completely. Do not reuse the cotter pin.
3. 3

   Separate tie rod end from steering knuckle
   Install tie rod end separator tool or pickle fork between the tie rod end and steering knuckle. Strike the tool firmly with a hammer or use the screw-type separator to break the taper connection. Once loose, remove the tie rod end from the knuckle. Avoid damaging the steering knuckle or tie rod boot during separation.
   ⚠Pickle fork tools will damage the tie rod boot. Use a proper ball joint separator if reusing components.
4. 4

   Loosen tie rod lock nut
   Using a 19mm wrench, loosen the tie rod lock nut (jam nut) that secures the outer tie rod end to the inner tie rod or adjusting sleeve. Do not remove completely yet. Count and record the number of visible threads or rotations as you unscrew.
5. 5

   Remove outer tie rod end
   Unscrew the outer tie rod end from the inner tie rod assembly by turning it counterclockwise. Count the number of complete rotations required for removal. Keep the lock nut on the threads for reference. If replacing the complete assembly including inner tie rod, proceed to next step.
6. 6

   Remove inner tie rod (if replacing complete assembly)
   If replacing the inner tie rod, it is connected to the steering rack with either a crimped boot clamp or threaded connection. Cut or remove the boot clamps with pliers. Use an inner tie rod tool or adjustable wrench to grip the flats on the inner tie rod shaft. Unscrew the inner tie rod from the steering rack while holding the rack steady. Remove the old boot completely.
7. 7

   Clean and inspect steering rack threads
   Wire brush the threads on the steering rack where the inner tie rod connects. Inspect threads for damage or wear. Check the steering rack boot for tears or leaks. If rack boot is damaged, it should be replaced to prevent rack contamination and failure.
8. 8

   Install new inner tie rod
   Apply a light coat of clean power steering fluid to the inner tie rod threads. Thread the new inner tie rod into the steering rack by hand until seated, then tighten using the inner tie rod tool according to manufacturer specifications (typically 100-120 Nm). Install new boot and secure with new clamps properly positioned.
9. 9

   Install outer tie rod end
   Thread the new outer tie rod end onto the inner tie rod the same number of rotations counted during removal, using your reference marks as a guide. Thread the lock nut onto the inner tie rod behind the outer tie rod end, but do not tighten yet. This maintains approximate alignment.
10. 10

    Connect tie rod end to steering knuckle
    Insert the tie rod end stud into the steering knuckle taper hole. Ensure the taper is clean and seats properly. Install the castle nut and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. The castle nut slots must align with the cotter pin hole; if needed, tighten slightly further (never loosen) to align the nearest slot.
    Torque spec

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

    Install new cotter pin
    Insert a new cotter pin through the castle nut and tie rod end stud. Bend the cotter pin ends properly to secure - one leg bent over the top of the castle nut, the other bent back along the side of the stud. Ensure the pin is secure and will not back out.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Mount the wheel and tire assembly back onto the hub. Install lug nuts and tighten in a star pattern by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire contacts the ground but still supports some weight on the jack stands. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Final tie rod lock nut torque (after alignment)
    After completing a professional wheel alignment, torque the tie rod lock nut to specification while holding the outer tie rod end to prevent it from turning. This final torque must be done after alignment to lock the adjustment in place.
    ℹ️This step should be performed by the alignment shop or after alignment is completed. Do not fully torque before alignment.
    Torque spec

    Tie Rod Lock Nut85 Nm (63 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all cotter pins are properly installed and bent to prevent backing out
2. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification
3. Check that tie rod boots are properly seated with no tears or gaps
4. Confirm steering wheel is centered and turns smoothly lock-to-lock

Verification

• Test drive vehicle in safe area at low speed to verify steering response and no unusual noises
• Check for any play in steering wheel or wandering while driving straight
• Schedule professional wheel alignment immediately - verify toe, camber, and caster are within specification
• After alignment, recheck tie rod lock nut torque
• Inspect for any fluid leaks around steering rack boots after test drive
• Monitor tire wear pattern over next 500 miles to confirm proper alignment

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