This procedure covers replacement of the inner tie rod end on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine, requiring steering rack boot removal and proper torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Inner tie rod end × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
• Steering rack boot (bellows) × 1 — Replace if damaged during removal
• Boot clamps × 2 — Usually included with boot kit
• Cotter pin × 1 — Use new if outer tie rod is disconnected

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame rails
4. Remove wheel on side being serviced
5. Turn steering wheel to position tie rod for best access (typically full lock away from working side)
6. Spray penetrating oil on all tie rod connections and allow to soak

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove outer tie rod end from knuckle
   Remove cotter pin from outer tie rod castle nut using diagonal cutters. Remove castle nut using 21mm socket. Use tie rod separator tool to separate outer tie rod ball stud from steering knuckle. Avoid damaging the ball stud boot if reusing the outer tie rod.
2. 2

   Mark tie rod position
   Before loosening the tie rod lock nut, use white paint marker or grease pencil to mark the exact position of the outer tie rod threads relative to the inner tie rod. Count and record the number of exposed threads. This preserves approximate toe setting and minimizes alignment change.
3. 3

   Remove outer tie rod from inner tie rod
   Hold the inner tie rod shaft flat with a 19mm wrench to prevent it from turning. Loosen the tie rod lock nut completely. Unthread the outer tie rod end from the inner tie rod, counting complete turns for reference during reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove steering rack boot
   Cut or loosen the boot clamps securing the steering rack bellows boot to both the steering rack housing and the inner tie rod. Slide the boot off the inner tie rod toward the rack. Inspect boot for damage - replace if torn or deteriorated.
   ⚠Do not allow dirt or debris to enter the steering rack during this procedure
5. 5

   Remove inner tie rod end
   Using an inner tie rod removal tool or large adjustable pliers, grip the flats on the inner tie rod near the rack. Unthread the inner tie rod from the steering rack by turning counterclockwise. The inner tie rod is typically torqued tightly and may require significant force to break loose. Some designs use a stake or crimp that must be straightened first.
   ⚠Support the steering rack to prevent damage while applying removal force
6. 6

   Clean steering rack threads
   Use a wire brush to thoroughly clean the threads on the steering rack where the inner tie rod mounts. Remove any rust, old thread locker, or debris. Inspect threads for damage - chase with appropriate tap if needed.
7. 7

   Install new inner tie rod
   Apply a small amount of medium-strength thread locker to the steering rack threads if specified by manufacturer. Thread the new inner tie rod onto the steering rack by hand until seated, then tighten securely using the inner tie rod tool. Torque to manufacturer specification (typically 100-120 Nm, though not specifically listed). Some designs require staking or peening the collar after installation.
   ℹ️Ensure inner tie rod is fully seated against shoulder on rack before final tightening
8. 8

   Reinstall steering rack boot
   Slide the steering rack boot (new or reused if undamaged) onto the inner tie rod and position it properly over both the rack housing and inner tie rod grooves. Install new boot clamps and tighten securely to prevent dust and moisture entry.
9. 9

   Install outer tie rod
   Thread the outer tie rod onto the new inner tie rod to the position marked earlier, using the reference marks and thread count. This provides an approximate starting point for alignment. Leave the lock nut loose at this stage.
10. 10

    Connect outer tie rod to knuckle
    Insert the outer tie rod ball stud into the steering knuckle. Install the castle nut and torque to specification. Align the castle nut slots with the ball stud hole - advance nut only if needed to align, never loosen. Install new cotter pin and bend tabs to secure.
    ⚠Castle nut must align with cotter pin hole - if slots do not align, tighten to next slot, never loosen
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall wheel
    Install the wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower vehicle until tire contacts ground to prevent wheel rotation. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. After alignment is performed, torque the tie rod lock nut to specification while holding the inner tie rod to prevent rotation
2. Verify all fasteners are properly torqued and cotter pins are installed
3. Test steering for smooth operation through full range of motion with vehicle on ground

Verification

• Verify steering wheel returns to center properly after full lock turns in both directions
• Check for any unusual noises or binding in steering operation
• Inspect all connections for proper seating and torque
• Have vehicle professionally aligned - inner tie rod replacement significantly affects toe setting
• After alignment, verify tie rod lock nut is torqued to 78 Nm (58 lb-ft)
• Road test vehicle to confirm proper steering feel and straight-line tracking

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