This procedure covers the replacement of the inner and outer rack and pinion boots on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with the 5.0L V8 engine, protecting the steering rack from contamination.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rack and pinion inner boot (driver side) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rack and pinion inner boot (passenger side) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Outer tie rod boot (driver side) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Outer tie rod boot (passenger side) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Boot clamps (assorted) × 8 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pins × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground.
3. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands under frame rails.
4. Remove both front wheels completely.
5. Spray tie rod threads and jam nuts with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove outer tie rod ends
   Remove the cotter pin from each tie rod end castle nut using pliers. Remove the castle nut from the tie rod end. Use a tie rod separator tool to disconnect the tie rod end from the steering knuckle. Do not hammer on the tie rod threads as this will damage them.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Mark and remove tie rod
   Using a white paint marker, mark the position of the outer tie rod relative to the inner tie rod for reinstallation reference. Count and record the number of visible threads. Loosen the tie rod jam nut with an 18mm wrench. Unscrew the outer tie rod end from the inner tie rod, counting the turns for reassembly.
3. 3

   Remove outer tie rod boots
   Inspect the outer tie rod boot for tears or damage. Cut or release the boot clamps on both ends of the outer tie rod boot using boot clamp pliers or side cutters. Slide the old boot off the tie rod assembly. Clean the tie rod threads and surfaces with brake cleaner and a wire brush.
4. 4

   Access inner rack boots
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the steering rack assembly behind the front crossmember. Identify the inner rack boots which connect the steering rack housing to the inner tie rod assemblies. The boots are secured with clamps on both the rack housing and inner tie rod ends.
5. 5

   Remove inner boot clamps
   Cut or release the clamps securing the inner boot to the steering rack housing and to the inner tie rod. There are typically two clamps per boot (one on each end). Carefully remove the clamps without damaging the rack housing or tie rod threads.
6. 6

   Remove inner rack boots
   Slide the inner rack boot off the rack assembly toward the tie rod end. Inspect the rack for any fluid, dirt, or damage. Clean the rack housing groove and inner tie rod mating surfaces thoroughly with brake cleaner. Wipe dry with a clean lint-free cloth.
   ℹ️Any grease present is normal; this is not power steering fluid as the system is electric.
7. 7

   Install new inner rack boots
   Apply a thin layer of the provided grease to the inside of the new inner rack boot. Slide the new boot onto the rack housing first, ensuring it seats properly in the groove. Stretch the boot over the inner tie rod connection point. Verify the boot is not twisted and sits flush against both surfaces.
8. 8

   Secure inner boot clamps
   Install new boot clamps on both ends of the inner rack boot. Position the clamps in the correct grooves on the rack housing and inner tie rod. Tighten the clamps securely using boot clamp pliers, ensuring the boot cannot slip or allow contaminants to enter. Verify there are no gaps or folds in the boot.
9. 9

   Install new outer tie rod boots
   Slide the new outer tie rod boot onto the tie rod assembly. Position one clamp at the inner tie rod end and one at the outer tie rod body. Ensure the boot is not twisted and provides full coverage of the joint. Secure both clamps tightly.
10. 10

    Reinstall outer tie rod ends
    Thread the outer tie rod end back onto the inner tie rod, matching your alignment marks and thread count from disassembly. Do not fully tighten the jam nut yet. Insert the tie rod end stud into the steering knuckle.
11. 11

    Torque tie rod end nuts
    Install the castle nut onto the tie rod end stud and torque to specification. Align the castle nut slots with the hole in the stud; if necessary, tighten slightly more (never back off) to align the slots. Install a new cotter pin and bend the ends to secure.
    Torque spec

    Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Tighten tie rod jam nuts
    Hold the outer tie rod end with a wrench to prevent rotation. Tighten the jam nut against the inner tie rod housing securely with an 18mm wrench. This locks the tie rod at the correct length.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheels
    Install both front wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tires just touch the ground. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat the boot replacement procedure for both driver and passenger sides.
2. Ensure all boot clamps are tight and boots are seated properly with no twists or gaps.
3. Double-check that all cotter pins are installed and properly bent.
4. Verify tie rod jam nuts are tightened securely to prevent tie rod movement.

Verification

• Start the engine and turn the steering wheel fully lock-to-lock several times while stationary.
• Inspect all newly installed boots for proper seating, no contact with other components, and no signs of tearing.
• Check that boots do not interfere with suspension travel through full range of motion.
• Test drive the vehicle and verify steering operates smoothly with no unusual noises.
• Have a professional wheel alignment performed as soon as possible, as tie rod removal affects toe settings.

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