This procedure covers removal and replacement of the center link (drag link) on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine, including tie rod end disconnection and steering linkage service.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Center link/drag link assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pins (various sizes) × 4 — Assorted kit recommended
• Tie rod end boots (if damaged) × 2 — Inspect during disassembly

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is still on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame rails
5. Remove both front wheels completely
6. Spray all tie rod end castle nuts and tapers with penetrating oil and allow 10-15 minutes to soak
7. Ensure steering wheel is in straight-ahead position and mark or note position for reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove outer tie rod end cotter pins
   Locate the castle nuts on both outer tie rod ends where they connect to the steering knuckles. Straighten and remove the cotter pins using pliers or a cotter pin removal tool. Discard old cotter pins as they cannot be reused.
2. 2

   Loosen outer tie rod end castle nuts
   Using an 18mm socket or wrench, loosen but do not fully remove the castle nuts on both outer tie rod ends. Leave the nuts threaded on 2-3 turns to protect threads and prevent sudden separation when breaking the taper.
   ⚠Keep nut partially threaded to prevent tie rod from falling when taper breaks free.
3. 3

   Separate outer tie rod ends from knuckles
   Position ball joint separator tool between the tie rod end and steering knuckle. Apply firm pressure to break the tapered connection. Alternatively, strike the knuckle boss sharply with a hammer while applying upward pressure on the tie rod end. Once taper is broken, remove castle nuts completely and lower tie rod ends away from knuckles.
   ⚠Never strike the tie rod end stud directly. Only strike the knuckle mounting boss.
4. 4

   Remove inner tie rod end cotter pins
   Access the center link where inner tie rod ends connect (typically near the pitman arm and idler arm). Remove cotter pins from the castle nuts securing the inner tie rod ends to the center link. Discard old cotter pins.
5. 5

   Disconnect inner tie rod ends from center link
   Loosen the castle nuts on both inner tie rod ends connecting to the center link, leaving nuts partially threaded. Use ball joint separator to break the tapered connections. Remove nuts completely and separate the tie rod ends from the center link.
6. 6

   Remove center link mounting hardware
   Locate the center link attachment points at the pitman arm and idler arm ends. Remove cotter pins from these castle nuts. Loosen and remove the castle nuts while supporting the center link to prevent it from dropping.
7. 7

   Remove center link assembly
   Use ball joint separator to break the tapered connections at both ends of the center link (pitman arm and idler arm sides). Carefully lower and remove the center link assembly from the vehicle. Inspect the mounting tapers on pitman arm and idler arm for wear, damage, or contamination.
8. 8

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to clean all tapered mounting surfaces on the pitman arm, idler arm, and steering knuckles. Remove any dirt, rust, or corrosion. Ensure tapers are clean and dry for proper seating of new components.
9. 9

   Install new center link
   Position the new center link assembly into place, aligning the tapered studs with the pitman arm and idler arm mounting holes. Install castle nuts and tighten to specification. Ensure tapers are fully seated before final torquing. Install new cotter pins through castle nut slots and stud holes, bending to secure.
   ⚠Verify taper is fully seated before torquing. A partially seated taper will loosen and fail.
   Torque spec

   Castle Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Connect inner tie rod ends
    Align inner tie rod ends with the center link mounting points. Install castle nuts and tighten to specification. Verify tapered studs are fully seated in center link. Install new cotter pins and bend to secure.
    Torque spec

    Castle Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Connect outer tie rod ends to knuckles
    Raise outer tie rod ends to the steering knuckle mounting holes. Install castle nuts and tighten to specification using torque wrench. Ensure full taper engagement. Install new cotter pins through castle nut and stud, bending ends to lock in place.
    Torque spec

    Castle Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall wheels
    Mount front wheels back onto hubs, ensuring they are properly seated. Install lug nuts and hand-tighten in star pattern. Lower vehicle until tires just contact ground but most weight is still on jack stands. Torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. All castle nuts must have new cotter pins installed and properly bent to prevent loosening
2. Verify all tie rod end boots are intact and properly seated to prevent contamination
3. Check that steering wheel returns to center position when turned lock-to-lock
4. Perform visual inspection of all connections before road test

Verification

• Start engine and turn steering wheel lock-to-lock several times to verify smooth operation with no binding or unusual noises
• Visually inspect all tie rod connections for proper seating and cotter pin installation
• Perform short test drive at low speed in safe area, checking for proper steering response and no wandering
• Schedule professional wheel alignment immediately - toe settings will be significantly altered by this repair
• After alignment, recheck all castle nut torque values and cotter pin installation
• Monitor steering feel and tire wear patterns over the next 100 miles to ensure proper alignment was achieved

More procedures for this vehicle