This procedure covers the replacement of an inner tie rod end on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine, requiring removal of the outer tie rod and access to the inner tie rod connected to the steering rack.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Inner tie rod end (left or right as needed) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Outer tie rod end (if reusing, inspect thoroughly) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Tie rod lock nut × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin for outer tie rod × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering rack bellows boot (inspect and replace if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Loosen wheel lug nuts on the side being serviced while vehicle is on the ground
3. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame contact points
4. Remove wheel and tire assembly
5. Turn steering wheel to position tie rod for easier access (turn away from side being serviced)
6. Spray penetrating oil on tie rod lock nut, inner tie rod threads, and outer tie rod castle nut
7. Measure and record the exposed thread length from the inner tie rod to the outer tie rod end, or mark the position with paint pen for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove outer tie rod end from steering knuckle
   Remove the cotter pin from the outer tie rod castle nut using pliers. Remove the castle nut from the outer tie rod stud. Use a tie rod separator or pickle fork to separate the outer tie rod end from the steering knuckle. Avoid damaging the steering knuckle threads or ball joint boot if reusing the outer tie rod.
2. 2

   Loosen tie rod lock nut
   Using a wrench, loosen the lock nut that secures the outer tie rod to the inner tie rod. Do not remove completely yet. This lock nut is located between the inner and outer tie rod ends.
3. 3

   Remove outer tie rod end
   Count the number of turns as you unthread the outer tie rod end from the inner tie rod. Record this number to aid in reassembly and maintaining approximate alignment. Remove the outer tie rod end and lock nut completely.
4. 4

   Access steering rack bellows boot
   Locate the bellows boot clamp securing the steering rack boot to the inner tie rod. Remove or loosen the boot clamp using pliers or appropriate clamp tool. Slide the boot back along the steering rack to expose the inner tie rod connection point.
5. 5

   Remove inner tie rod end
   Using an inner tie rod removal tool or large adjustable wrench, grip the flat surfaces of the inner tie rod body (not the threads). Unthread the inner tie rod from the steering rack by turning counterclockwise. The inner tie rod may be tight and require significant force. Be careful not to damage the steering rack housing or threads.
6. 6

   Inspect steering rack and boot
   Inspect the steering rack threads for damage. Check the rack bellows boot for tears, cracks, or grease leakage. Replace the boot if any damage is found. Clean the steering rack threads with a wire brush and ensure they are free of debris.
7. 7

   Install new inner tie rod end
   Apply a small amount of medium-strength thread locker to the threads of the new inner tie rod end. Thread the inner tie rod into the steering rack by hand until it seats, then tighten using the inner tie rod tool. Tighten to manufacturer specification (typically very tight, but specific torque may require special tool). Ensure the tie rod is fully seated against the rack.
8. 8

   Reinstall steering rack boot
   Slide the bellows boot forward over the inner tie rod end. Ensure the boot is properly seated in its groove on both the steering rack and the inner tie rod body. Install new boot clamps and tighten securely to prevent dirt and moisture intrusion.
9. 9

   Install outer tie rod end
   Thread the outer tie rod end onto the inner tie rod the same number of turns recorded during removal. This will approximate the original alignment setting. Thread the lock nut onto the inner tie rod behind the outer tie rod, but do not tighten yet.
10. 10

    Connect outer tie rod to steering knuckle
    Insert the outer tie rod stud into the steering knuckle. Install the castle nut and torque to specification. Align the castle nut slots with the hole in the stud (tighten further if needed to align, never loosen). Install a new cotter pin and bend the ends to secure.
    Torque spec

    Tie Rod End Nut68 Nm (50 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Tighten tie rod lock nut
    Hold the outer tie rod end to prevent it from turning. Tighten the tie rod lock nut to specification. This locks the outer tie rod position on the inner tie rod. Note: Final torque should be applied after professional wheel alignment.
    Torque spec

    Tie Rod Lock Nut85 Nm (63 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel and tire assembly. Thread lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are tightened to proper torque specifications
2. Verify steering rack boot is properly sealed with clamps secure
3. Check that cotter pin is properly installed and bent in outer tie rod castle nut
4. Verify no tools or parts are left in wheel well area

Verification

• Test steering function by turning wheel lock-to-lock while stationary to ensure smooth operation with no binding
• Check for any fluid leaks around steering rack boot area
• Drive vehicle at low speed in safe area to verify steering response
• Schedule professional wheel alignment immediately - front end alignment is required after inner tie rod replacement to ensure proper tire wear and vehicle handling
• After alignment, verify tie rod lock nut is torqued to final specification of 85 Nm (63 lb-ft)

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