This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the outer tie rod end assembly on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8 engine, including proper alignment reference marking and torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Outer tie rod end assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification or Motorcraft MEOE-68
• Cotter pin (tie rod end) × 1 — 1/8 inch diameter
• Thread locker (optional) × 1 — Loctite 243 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts 1/2 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated jacking point
5. Support vehicle with jack stands under frame rails
6. Remove wheel completely
7. Spray tie rod end nut, castle nut, and jam nut threads with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark tie rod position for alignment reference
   Before loosening any fasteners, use a paint pen or marker to mark the exact position where the outer tie rod end threads into the inner tie rod. Count and record the number of exposed threads visible beyond the jam nut. Measure the total length from the center of the tie rod end ball stud to the inner tie rod boot for reference. This ensures approximate toe setting is maintained.
2. 2

   Remove cotter pin from tie rod end castle nut
   Locate the cotter pin securing the tie rod end castle nut at the steering knuckle. Using diagonal cutters or pliers, straighten the bent ends of the cotter pin and pull it out completely. Discard the old cotter pin as it cannot be reused.
3. 3

   Loosen and remove tie rod end castle nut
   Using a 21mm wrench or socket, loosen the castle nut securing the tie rod end to the steering knuckle. Remove the nut completely but leave it threaded on by 2-3 turns to protect the ball stud threads during separation. Do not remove the nut entirely yet.
   ⚠Leaving the nut partially threaded prevents the tie rod from dropping suddenly when the taper releases.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Separate tie rod end from steering knuckle
   Position the tie rod end separator tool or pickle fork between the steering knuckle and tie rod end taper. Strike the tool firmly with a hammer to break the taper fit. Alternatively, use a ball joint separator tool if available. Once the taper breaks free, remove the castle nut completely and pull the tie rod end out of the knuckle.
   ⚠Avoid striking the tie rod end ball stud directly as this can damage the threads or internal components.
5. 5

   Loosen tie rod jam nut
   Locate the jam nut (lock nut) that secures the outer tie rod end to the inner tie rod shaft. Using a 19mm wrench, loosen the jam nut but do not remove it completely. Back it off several turns to allow the outer tie rod end to unthread.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod Lock Nut85 Nm (63 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove outer tie rod end
   While holding the jam nut in place with one wrench, unthread the outer tie rod end from the inner tie rod by turning it counterclockwise. Count the number of full rotations required to remove it and record this number. This, combined with your earlier marking, will help restore approximate alignment. Remove the jam nut from the threads once the tie rod end is off.
7. 7

   Clean threads and inspect inner tie rod
   Use a wire brush to clean the threads on the inner tie rod shaft. Inspect the inner tie rod boot for tears, cracks, or leaks. Check that the inner tie rod is tight to the steering rack and shows no play. If the boot is damaged or inner tie rod is loose, those components must be replaced before proceeding.
   ℹ️A damaged inner tie rod boot will allow contamination into the steering rack, causing premature wear and potential failure.
8. 8

   Install new outer tie rod end
   Thread the jam nut onto the inner tie rod shaft first, positioning it several turns down. Thread the new outer tie rod end onto the inner tie rod shaft clockwise, counting the same number of rotations noted during removal. Align the tie rod end with your reference marks to achieve approximate original position. The jam nut should be positioned against the back of the outer tie rod end housing.
9. 9

   Install tie rod end into steering knuckle
   Insert the tie rod end ball stud into the taper hole in the steering knuckle. Ensure the stud is fully seated in the taper. Install the new castle nut and hand-tighten it onto the ball stud threads. Verify the tie rod end boot is not twisted or pinched.
10. 10

    Torque tie rod end castle nut and install cotter pin
    Using a torque wrench, tighten the castle nut to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft). Check that one of the castle nut slots aligns with the hole in the ball stud. If not aligned, tighten the nut further (do not loosen) until the next slot aligns with the hole. Maximum additional tightening should not exceed 1/6 turn. Insert a new cotter pin through the hole and bend the ends to secure it.
    ⚠Never loosen the castle nut to align the cotter pin hole. Only tighten further if needed.
    Torque spec

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

    Tighten jam nut (preliminary)
    While holding the outer tie rod end to prevent it from turning, tighten the jam nut against the tie rod end housing using a 19mm wrench. Torque to 85 Nm (63 lb-ft). Note that this torque specification is final only after professional wheel alignment is completed.
    ℹ️The jam nut must be re-torqued after alignment is performed, as the alignment technician will adjust toe by rotating the tie rod end.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Mount the wheel onto the hub and hand-thread all lug nuts. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but weight is still supported by jack stands. Using a torque wrench in a star pattern, torque the lug nuts to 169 Nm (125 lb-ft). Remove jack stands and lower vehicle completely to the ground. Perform final torque check on lug nuts.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are properly torqued to specification
2. Verify cotter pin is properly installed and bent to prevent removal
3. Check that tie rod end boot is not twisted, pinched, or damaged
4. Confirm steering moves freely through full range of motion with no binding

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify steering response
• Check that steering wheel returns to center after turns
• Listen for any unusual noises from the tie rod area during turning
• Schedule professional wheel alignment immediately - vehicle toe setting is only approximate and will cause tire wear if not properly aligned
• After alignment is complete, verify jam nut is torqued to 85 Nm (63 lb-ft)
• Inspect for any fluid leaks around steering components after test drive

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