This procedure covers removal and replacement of the outer tie rod end on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8 engine, requiring wheel alignment upon completion.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Outer tie rod end × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin × 1 — Standard automotive cotter pin

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is still on the ground
3. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands placed at frame contact points
4. Remove wheel completely from the side being serviced
5. Spray penetrating oil on tie rod jam nut and castle nut threads; allow to soak 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark tie rod position
   Before loosening anything, measure and record the exposed thread length between the inner tie rod and outer tie rod end. Use a marking pen to mark the position of the outer tie rod on the inner tie rod threads. This will help maintain approximate alignment during reinstallation.
2. 2

   Remove cotter pin and castle nut
   Locate the outer tie rod end castle nut where it connects to the steering knuckle. Use diagonal cutters to cut and remove the cotter pin. Discard the old cotter pin. Use a 21mm socket to remove the castle nut, but do not fully remove it yet—leave it threaded on a few turns to protect threads during separation.
3. 3

   Separate tie rod from knuckle
   Using a tie rod end separator tool or pickle fork, position it between the tie rod end taper and the steering knuckle. Strike the tool with a hammer or use the screw-type separator to break the taper loose. Once the taper releases, remove the castle nut completely and pull the tie rod end stud out of the knuckle.
   ⚠Avoid damaging the steering knuckle bore or tie rod boot during separation; pickle forks can damage boots on adjacent components
4. 4

   Loosen tie rod jam nut
   Locate the jam nut (lock nut) between the inner and outer tie rod. Use an adjustable wrench or large pliers to grip the flat surfaces on the outer tie rod end body to prevent it from spinning. With a 19mm wrench, loosen the jam nut on the inner tie rod threads. Do not remove the jam nut completely yet.
5. 5

   Remove outer tie rod end
   Count and record the number of turns as you unthread the outer tie rod end from the inner tie rod. Turn the outer tie rod end counterclockwise to remove it. Keep the jam nut on the inner tie rod threads to prevent cross-threading during installation.
6. 6

   Prepare new tie rod end
   Clean the threads on the inner tie rod with a wire brush. Thread the jam nut onto the new outer tie rod end several turns to keep it with the part. Verify the new tie rod end matches the old part in terms of thread pitch, stud taper, and overall length.
7. 7

   Install new outer tie rod end
   Thread the new outer tie rod end onto the inner tie rod, turning it clockwise the same number of turns you counted during removal, or until it reaches your alignment mark. This will provide an approximate toe setting for driving to the alignment shop.
8. 8

   Connect tie rod to steering knuckle
   Insert the tie rod end stud into the steering knuckle taper hole. Ensure the stud seats fully into the taper. Install the castle nut and tighten to specification. The castle nut slots must align with the cotter pin hole in the stud; if needed, tighten slightly beyond specification (never loosen) to achieve alignment.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod End Nut68 Nm (50 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install new cotter pin
   Insert a new cotter pin through the castle nut slots and the hole in the tie rod end stud. Bend the cotter pin legs in opposite directions to secure it properly. Ensure the cotter pin cannot back out during operation.
10. 10

    Reinstall wheel
    Mount the wheel back onto the hub, threading lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground to prevent wheel rotation. Torque all lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Do NOT tighten the tie rod jam nut at this time—this must be done after professional wheel alignment
2. After alignment is completed, torque the tie rod jam nut to 85 Nm (63 lb-ft) per the Tie Rod Lock Nut specification
3. Verify cotter pin is properly installed and secured

Verification

• Start engine and turn steering wheel lock-to-lock; verify no binding or unusual noises from the tie rod area
• Check that tie rod end boot is not torn or damaged
• Visually inspect tie rod end castle nut and cotter pin installation
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify steering response before proceeding to alignment shop
• Have vehicle professionally aligned immediately; verify alignment shop torques the jam nut after alignment is set

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