This procedure covers the removal and replacement of both inner and outer tie rods on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8 engine, including proper torque specifications and alignment preparation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Outer tie rod end - driver side × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Outer tie rod end - passenger side × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Inner tie rod - driver side × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Inner tie rod - passenger side × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pins (castle nut style) × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Anti-seize compound × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground, but do not remove
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands at frame rails
5. Remove both front wheels completely
6. Spray all tie rod connections with penetrating oil and allow 15-20 minutes to soak
7. Turn steering wheel to straight-ahead position and secure with tape or tie to prevent rotation
8. Measure and record the exposed thread count on both outer tie rods before removal for rough alignment reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove outer tie rod end from knuckle - driver side
   Remove the cotter pin from the tie rod end castle nut using pliers or wire cutters. Using a 21mm socket, loosen but do not fully remove the castle nut. Use a tie rod separator tool or pickle fork to separate the tie rod end taper from the steering knuckle. Once separated, remove the castle nut completely and pull the tie rod end free from the knuckle.
2. 2

   Remove outer tie rod from inner tie rod - driver side
   Hold the outer tie rod end with one wrench and loosen the jam nut (lock nut) with another wrench. Count the number of complete turns required to unthread the outer tie rod from the inner tie rod and record this number. Remove the outer tie rod completely by continuing to turn counterclockwise. Remove the jam nut from the inner tie rod threads.
3. 3

   Remove inner tie rod - driver side
   Using an inner tie rod removal tool, grip the inner tie rod firmly behind the boot. Turn counterclockwise to unthread the inner tie rod from the steering rack. If using a wrench-style tool, ensure proper engagement to avoid damaging the rack threads. Remove the inner tie rod completely along with the boot if it remains attached.
4. 4

   Remove outer tie rod end from knuckle - passenger side
   Remove the cotter pin from the tie rod end castle nut. Using a 21mm socket, loosen but do not fully remove the castle nut. Use the tie rod separator tool to separate the tie rod end taper from the steering knuckle. Once separated, remove the castle nut and pull the tie rod end free from the knuckle.
5. 5

   Remove outer tie rod from inner tie rod - passenger side
   Hold the outer tie rod end and loosen the jam nut. Count and record the number of complete turns required to unthread the outer tie rod from the inner tie rod. Remove the outer tie rod completely and remove the jam nut from the inner tie rod threads.
6. 6

   Remove inner tie rod - passenger side
   Using the inner tie rod removal tool, grip the inner tie rod firmly behind the boot. Turn counterclockwise to unthread the inner tie rod from the steering rack. Remove the inner tie rod completely along with the boot if attached.
7. 7

   Clean and inspect steering rack threads
   Using a wire brush, clean the threads on both sides of the steering rack where the inner tie rods attach. Inspect for any damage, cross-threading, or excessive wear. Check the steering rack boots for tears or damage. If boots are damaged, they should be replaced to prevent contamination of the rack.
8. 8

   Install new inner tie rod - driver side
   Apply a small amount of anti-seize compound to the steering rack threads. Thread the new inner tie rod onto the rack by hand initially, ensuring it threads smoothly. Using the inner tie rod tool, tighten the inner tie rod securely. The inner tie rod should be very tight but specific torque is achieved through proper tool engagement and firm tightening.
9. 9

   Install outer tie rod and lock nut - driver side
   Thread the jam nut (lock nut) onto the new inner tie rod threads with the locking surface facing outward. Thread the new outer tie rod onto the inner tie rod the same number of turns recorded during removal (or to match the measured thread count). This provides a rough alignment setting. Do not tighten the jam nut yet.
10. 10

    Install outer tie rod end to knuckle - driver side
    Insert the outer tie rod end taper into the steering knuckle hole. Ensure the taper seats properly with no gaps. Install the castle nut and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. The castle nut slots must align with the cotter pin hole. If slots do not align, tighten further (do not loosen) until the next slot aligns with the hole. Install a new cotter pin and bend the ends to secure.
    Torque spec

    Tie Rod End Nut68 Nm (50 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install new inner tie rod - passenger side
    Apply anti-seize compound to the steering rack threads. Thread the new inner tie rod onto the rack by hand initially. Using the inner tie rod tool, tighten the inner tie rod securely with firm pressure to ensure proper engagement.
12. 12

    Install outer tie rod and lock nut - passenger side
    Thread the jam nut onto the new inner tie rod with the locking surface facing outward. Thread the new outer tie rod onto the inner tie rod the same number of turns recorded during removal. This provides a rough alignment setting. Do not tighten the jam nut yet.
13. 13

    Install outer tie rod end to knuckle - passenger side
    Insert the outer tie rod end taper into the steering knuckle hole. Ensure proper taper seating. Install the castle nut and torque to specification. Align the castle nut slots with the cotter pin hole by tightening further if necessary. Install a new cotter pin and bend the ends to secure.
    Torque spec

    Tie Rod End Nut68 Nm (50 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Install both front wheels and hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tires just contact the ground but most weight is still on the jack stands. Torque all wheel 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. Verify all cotter pins are properly installed and bent to prevent backing out
2. Check that steering wheel is still centered and turns smoothly lock-to-lock without binding
3. Verify all jam nuts are finger-tight against outer tie rod ends but not torqued until after alignment
4. Ensure no tools or parts were left in the wheel wells or under the vehicle

Verification

• Turn steering wheel slowly from lock to lock while stationary to verify smooth operation and no binding or interference
• Verify both outer tie rod ends are securely attached to knuckles with no play or movement
• Check that all cotter pins are properly installed and secured
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify basic steering function before alignment
• Schedule and complete a professional four-wheel alignment immediately - failure to align will cause rapid tire wear and poor handling
• After alignment is complete, verify the tie rod lock nuts are torqued to 85 Nm (63 lb-ft) as specified

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