This procedure covers the replacement of both inner and outer tie rods on the 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine, including removal of tie rod ends from the steering knuckles and separation of inner tie rods from the steering rack.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Inner tie rod - driver side × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Inner tie rod - passenger side × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Outer tie rod end - driver side × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Outer tie rod end - passenger side × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pins (1/8 inch) × 2 — Standard hardware
• Tie rod boot/bellows kit × 2 — If not included with inner tie rods

Preparation

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

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove outer tie rod end from steering knuckle - driver side
   Remove the cotter pin from the tie rod end castle nut using pliers. Loosen but do not fully remove the tie rod end nut (62 Nm specification). Use a tie rod separator tool or pickle fork to separate the tie rod ball stud from the steering knuckle. Once separated, remove the nut completely and pull the tie rod end out of the knuckle taper.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod End Nut62 Nm (46 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Mark and remove outer tie rod - driver side
   Before loosening the tie rod lock nut, count and record the number of exposed threads on the inner tie rod, or use a measuring tape to measure from the inner tie rod jam nut to the end of the outer tie rod. Loosen the tie rod lock nut (78 Nm specification). Unthread the outer tie rod end from the inner tie rod, counting the number of turns required for reassembly reference.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod Lock Nut78 Nm (58 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove inner tie rod - driver side
   Pull back the steering rack boot to expose the inner tie rod connection to the rack. Use an inner tie rod removal tool (typically a 36mm or adjustable crow's foot wrench) to grip the flats on the inner tie rod body. While holding the steering rack stationary, unthread the inner tie rod counterclockwise. Inspect the rack boot for damage and replace if torn or cracked.
4. 4

   Remove outer tie rod end from steering knuckle - passenger side
   Remove the cotter pin from the tie rod end castle nut using pliers. Loosen but do not fully remove the tie rod end nut (62 Nm specification). Use a tie rod separator tool or pickle fork to separate the tie rod ball stud from the steering knuckle. Once separated, remove the nut completely and pull the tie rod end out of the knuckle taper.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod End Nut62 Nm (46 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Mark and remove outer tie rod - passenger side
   Before loosening the tie rod lock nut, count and record the number of exposed threads on the inner tie rod, or use a measuring tape to measure from the inner tie rod jam nut to the end of the outer tie rod. Loosen the tie rod lock nut (78 Nm specification). Unthread the outer tie rod end from the inner tie rod, counting the number of turns required for reassembly reference.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod Lock Nut78 Nm (58 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove inner tie rod - passenger side
   Pull back the steering rack boot to expose the inner tie rod connection to the rack. Use an inner tie rod removal tool (typically a 36mm or adjustable crow's foot wrench) to grip the flats on the inner tie rod body. While holding the steering rack stationary, unthread the inner tie rod counterclockwise. Inspect the rack boot for damage and replace if torn or cracked.
7. 7

   Install new inner tie rod - driver side
   Clean the threads on the steering rack with a wire brush. Apply a small amount of medium-strength thread locker to the inner tie rod threads. Thread the new inner tie rod clockwise onto the steering rack by hand until it bottoms, then tighten using the inner tie rod tool. Torque to manufacturer specification (typically very tight - use significant force). Ensure the rack boot is properly seated over the inner tie rod housing.
8. 8

   Install new inner tie rod - passenger side
   Clean the threads on the steering rack with a wire brush. Apply a small amount of medium-strength thread locker to the inner tie rod threads. Thread the new inner tie rod clockwise onto the steering rack by hand until it bottoms, then tighten using the inner tie rod tool. Torque to manufacturer specification (typically very tight - use significant force). Ensure the rack boot is properly seated over the inner tie rod housing.
9. 9

   Install outer tie rod - driver side
   Thread the new outer tie rod end onto the new inner tie rod the same number of turns you counted during removal, or match the measurement you recorded. This provides an approximate toe setting. Do not tighten the lock nut yet - leave it loose for alignment adjustments.
10. 10

    Install outer tie rod - passenger side
    Thread the new outer tie rod end onto the new inner tie rod the same number of turns you counted during removal, or match the measurement you recorded. This provides an approximate toe setting. Do not tighten the lock nut yet - leave it loose for alignment adjustments.
11. 11

    Connect tie rod ends to steering knuckles
    Insert the tie rod end ball stud into the steering knuckle taper on both sides. Install the castle nuts and torque to 62 Nm (46 lb-ft). Install new cotter pins through the castle nut slots and ball stud holes. Bend the cotter pin ends to secure. If the castle nut slots do not align with the ball stud hole, tighten the nut slightly (do not loosen) until alignment is achieved.
    ⚠Never loosen the castle nut to align the cotter pin hole - only tighten further if needed for proper cotter pin installation.
    Torque spec

    Tie Rod End Nut62 Nm (46 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Install both front wheels and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower vehicle until wheels just touch the ground but most weight is still on jack stands. Torque wheel lug nuts to 156 Nm (115 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Do NOT torque the tie rod lock nuts yet - this must be done after alignment
2. Verify steering wheel is still centered and turns smoothly lock-to-lock
3. Check that all cotter pins are properly installed and bent
4. After professional alignment is completed, torque tie rod lock nuts to 78 Nm (58 lb-ft)

Verification

• Turn steering wheel fully left and right to verify no binding or unusual noises from tie rod connections
• Verify steering wheel returns to center position smoothly
• Visually inspect all tie rod connections for proper installation and cotter pin security
• Check that rack boots are properly seated with no tears or displacement
• Schedule front-end alignment immediately - vehicle should be driven only to alignment shop
• After alignment, verify tie rod lock nuts are torqued to 78 Nm (58 lb-ft)
• Test drive at low speeds in a safe area to confirm steering response before normal operation

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