This procedure covers removal and replacement of the inner tie rod end on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8, requiring disconnection of the outer tie rod, removal of the steering rack boot, and installation of a new inner tie rod assembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Inner tie rod end assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering rack boot/bellows (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Boot clamps (if replacing boot) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin for outer tie rod × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts on the side being serviced while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
5. Remove wheel completely
6. Verify which side requires inner tie rod replacement (driver or passenger)
7. Clean tie rod threads and steering components with wire brush to ease disassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark tie rod position for reference
   Before disassembly, measure and record the distance from the outer tie rod end to the inner tie rod housing along the threaded section. Use a tape measure or make alignment marks with a paint pen. This reference will help maintain approximate toe alignment during reassembly. Count and record the number of exposed threads on the outer tie rod.
2. 2

   Remove outer tie rod end from knuckle
   Remove the cotter pin from the outer tie rod end castle nut using needle nose pliers. Loosen and remove the tie rod end castle nut. Use a tie rod separator or pickle fork to separate the outer tie rod end from the steering knuckle. Avoid hammering directly on threads. If using a pickle fork, position it between the knuckle and tie rod taper, then strike with a hammer until the taper releases.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Loosen tie rod lock nut
   Locate the lock nut between the inner and outer tie rod. Using an 18mm wrench, loosen but do not remove the tie rod lock nut. This lock nut secures the outer tie rod's position on the inner tie rod threads.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod Lock Nut85 Nm (63 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove outer tie rod from inner tie rod
   Thread the outer tie rod end counterclockwise off the inner tie rod. Count the number of turns required for complete removal and record this number. Keep the lock nut on the inner tie rod for reference position. Inspect the outer tie rod for wear and replace if necessary.
5. 5

   Remove steering rack boot
   Locate the steering rack boot (bellows) that covers the inner tie rod connection to the steering rack. Cut or loosen the boot clamps at both the rack housing and inner tie rod end using appropriate tools. Slide the boot away from the inner tie rod to expose the inner tie rod connection point. Inspect boot for tears or damage and replace if compromised.
6. 6

   Remove inner tie rod end
   Using an inner tie rod removal tool (or large adjustable pliers if tool is unavailable), grip the flats on the inner tie rod body immediately adjacent to the steering rack. The inner tie rod threads into the rack. Turn counterclockwise to unthread the inner tie rod from the steering rack. Apply steady pressure and avoid damaging the rack housing. Some inner tie rods are staked and may require additional force to break free initially.
   ⚠Support the steering rack while removing the inner tie rod to prevent stress on rack mounting points. Do not allow rack to twist or move excessively.
7. 7

   Clean steering rack threads
   Once the inner tie rod is removed, inspect the threads inside the steering rack housing. Use a wire brush to clean any debris, old thread locker, or corrosion from the threads. Ensure threads are clean and undamaged before installing the new inner tie rod. Inspect the rack housing for leaks or damage.
8. 8

   Install new inner tie rod
   Apply a small amount of medium-strength thread locker to the threads of the new inner tie rod if desired (not required but recommended). Thread the new inner tie rod clockwise into the steering rack by hand until it seats. Use the inner tie rod tool to tighten the inner tie rod securely. Tighten to manufacturer specifications, typically very tight (often requires significant torque, though specific value may vary by inner tie rod design). The connection should be firm and secure with no play.
   ℹ️Some inner tie rods require staking or have a locking mechanism. Follow the specific design of your replacement part. OEM parts typically self-lock when properly torqued.
9. 9

   Reinstall steering rack boot
   Slide the steering rack boot back into position over the inner tie rod and rack housing. Ensure the boot is properly seated in the grooves on both the rack housing and the inner tie rod. Install new boot clamps and tighten securely. Verify the boot is not twisted and has freedom to flex during steering movement.
10. 10

    Install outer tie rod onto inner tie rod
    Thread the outer tie rod end clockwise onto the new inner tie rod. Use your previous reference measurements and turn count to position the outer tie rod at approximately the same location as before removal. The lock nut should still be on the inner tie rod threads as a reference point. Thread the outer tie rod until it reaches your marked position.
11. 11

    Connect outer tie rod to steering knuckle
    Insert the outer tie rod end stud into the steering knuckle taper. Install the castle nut and tighten to specification. Ensure the castle nut slots align with the hole in the stud for cotter pin installation. If slots do not align, tighten further (never loosen to align). Install a new cotter pin and bend the ends to secure.
    Torque spec

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

    Temporarily snug tie rod lock nut
    Hand-tighten the tie rod lock nut against the outer tie rod end to hold the adjustment in place. Do not torque to final specification yet as alignment adjustments will be needed. This is temporary to allow safe driving to alignment shop.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Double-check all connections are tight and cotter pin is properly installed
2. Verify steering rack boot is properly sealed and clamps are secure
3. Check for any interference with steering components through full range of motion while vehicle is raised
4. Ensure no tools or parts were left in the wheel well area

Verification

• With vehicle on the ground, turn steering wheel slowly lock-to-lock while stationary to verify no binding or unusual noises from the tie rod area
• Visually inspect for any fluid leaks around the steering rack boot
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area, checking for straight-line tracking and normal steering feel
• Schedule a professional four-wheel alignment immediately. Provide alignment shop with information about tie rod replacement
• After alignment is complete, the tie rod lock nut should be torqued to 85 Nm (63 lb-ft) by the alignment technician
• Re-check wheel lug nut torque after 50-100 miles of driving

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