This procedure covers the replacement of the center link (drag link) on 2015-2020 Ford F-150 trucks with the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine and RWD configuration.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Center Link/Drag Link Assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pins (various sizes) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and set parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame rails
5. Remove both front wheels
6. Spray all castle nuts and tie rod ends with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove cotter pins from drag link ends
   Locate the drag link running from the pitman arm to the steering knuckle. Use needle nose pliers to straighten and remove the cotter pins from both castle nuts on the drag link ends. Discard old cotter pins.
2. 2

   Remove castle nuts
   Using an 18mm socket and breaker bar, remove the castle nuts from both ends of the drag link. Keep nuts accessible as you may need to thread them back on partially to protect threads during separation.
3. 3

   Separate drag link from pitman arm
   Position ball joint separator or pickle fork between the drag link ball stud and the pitman arm. Strike the separator tool firmly to break the taper fit. If using a tie rod end puller, position it around the ball joint housing and tighten until the taper releases. The ball stud should pop free from the pitman arm socket.
   ⚠Do not strike the drag link or pitman arm directly. Use only the separator tool to apply force.
4. 4

   Separate drag link from steering knuckle
   Repeat the separation process at the steering knuckle end. Use the ball joint separator or puller to break the taper fit between the drag link ball stud and the knuckle. Once released, remove the drag link from the vehicle.
5. 5

   Inspect connected components
   With the drag link removed, inspect the pitman arm and steering knuckle tapered holes for damage, excessive wear, or debris. Clean the taper surfaces with a wire brush. Check the pitman arm for excessive play or looseness on the steering box sector shaft. Inspect the tie rod end connection at the knuckle for wear.
6. 6

   Prepare new drag link
   Remove the new drag link from packaging and verify it matches the old component in length and end configuration. Ensure dust boots are intact and properly seated. Apply a light coat of clean oil to the ball stud tapers to aid installation.
7. 7

   Install new drag link to pitman arm
   Insert the ball stud end of the new drag link into the pitman arm socket. Ensure the stud seats fully into the taper. Thread the castle nut onto the stud by hand, then tighten to specification using a torque wrench and 18mm socket.
   Torque spec

   Castle Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Install drag link to steering knuckle
   Insert the opposite ball stud end into the steering knuckle socket. Ensure proper seating in the taper. Thread the castle nut onto the stud and tighten to specification using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Castle Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install new cotter pins
   Align the castle nut slots with the ball stud cotter pin holes. If slots do not align, tighten the nut slightly (no more than 1/6 turn) until alignment is achieved. Never loosen the nut to align. Insert new cotter pins through the holes and bend the ends to secure, ensuring they cannot back out.
   ⚠Castle nuts must never be loosened to align cotter pin holes. Only tighten further if needed for alignment.
10. 10

    Verify steering freedom
    Manually rotate the steering knuckle to verify full range of motion without binding. Check that the drag link moves smoothly through its arc and does not contact any suspension or chassis components at full lock in either direction.
11. 11

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Install both front wheels and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until wheels just contact the ground but suspension is not fully loaded. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern to specification using a torque wrench. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all castle nuts have new cotter pins properly installed and secured
2. Verify wheel lug nuts are torqued to specification after vehicle is on the ground
3. Double-check that no tools or parts were left in the wheel wells or under the vehicle

Verification

• Start the engine and turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock while stationary, listening for any unusual noises or binding
• Perform a short test drive in a safe area at low speed to verify steering response and center return
• Check for steering wheel off-center condition - minor offset is normal and will be corrected during alignment
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment as soon as possible after completing this repair
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check all castle nut cotter pins to ensure they remain secure

More procedures for this vehicle