steering

Tie Rods - Both Sides

for 2021 Ford F-150 3.5L V6 EcoBoost · 4WD

Difficulty

Moderate

Time

2.4 h

Tools

Steps

This procedure covers the replacement of both inner and outer tie rod ends on a 2021-2024 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine, requiring wheel alignment after completion.

Warnings

⚠️Vehicle must be securely supported on jack stands. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a floor jack.

⚠The steering linkage is under tension. Use proper tie rod separator tools to avoid component damage or personal injury.

ℹ️A four-wheel alignment is mandatory after tie rod replacement. Driving without proper alignment can cause premature tire wear and handling issues.

⚠Do not attempt to straighten bent tie rod components. Always replace damaged parts.

Tools required

Floor jack and jack standsEssential

Torque wrench (30-180 Nm range)Essential

Tie rod end puller or pickle forkEssential

Large adjustable wrench or tie rod toolEssential

Socket set (metric)Essential

Breaker bar

Wire brush

Thread cleaner or tap

Measuring tape or string for alignment referenceEssential

Penetrating oil

White paint marker or grease pencilEssential

Pliers for cotter pin removalEssential

Parts

Outer tie rod end (driver side) × 1 — Use OEM specification
Outer tie rod end (passenger side) × 1 — Use OEM specification
Inner tie rod end (driver side) × 1 — Use OEM specification
Inner tie rod end (passenger side) × 1 — Use OEM specification
Cotter pins × 4 — Match original size
Tie rod lock nuts × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
Turn steering wheel to center position and lock ignition
Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
Remove both front wheels
Spray all tie rod connections with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15-20 minutes

Procedure

1
Document alignment reference measurements
Before disassembly, measure and record the exposed thread length on each outer tie rod from the jam nut to the tie rod end. Mark the position of the outer tie rod on the inner tie rod threads with a paint marker. This provides a rough alignment reference for reassembly to minimize toe change.
2
Remove outer tie rod end from knuckle - driver side
Remove the cotter pin from the outer tie rod end castle nut using pliers. Remove the castle nut completely. Use a tie rod end puller or approved separator tool to break the taper connection between the tie rod end and steering knuckle. Do not use excessive heat or hammering which can damage the knuckle or boot seals.
3
Remove outer tie rod from inner tie rod - driver side
Loosen the tie rod lock nut (jam nut) connecting the outer tie rod to the inner tie rod. Count and record the number of turns required to completely unthread the outer tie rod end from the inner tie rod. This serves as a backup alignment reference.
4
Remove inner tie rod - driver side
If replacing inner tie rods, use a large adjustable wrench or dedicated inner tie rod tool to grip the flat surfaces on the inner tie rod. Unthread the inner tie rod from the steering rack. Clean the rack threads with a wire brush and inspect for damage before installing new parts.
⚠Support the steering rack boot to prevent tearing during inner tie rod removal. The rack boot may need to be pulled back for access.
5
Install new inner tie rod - driver side
Thread the new inner tie rod onto the steering rack by hand until seated. Tighten the inner tie rod to specification using the appropriate tool. Ensure the steering rack boot is properly positioned and the boot clamp is secure.
Torque spec
Tie Rod Nut62 Nm (46 lb-ft)
6
Install new outer tie rod - driver side
Thread the new outer tie rod end onto the inner tie rod the same number of turns counted during removal, or align with the paint mark made earlier. Do not tighten the lock nut yet. Verify that exposed thread length approximately matches the measurement taken during disassembly.
7
Connect outer tie rod to knuckle - driver side
Insert the outer tie rod taper into the steering knuckle bore. Install the castle nut and tighten to specification. Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut and tie rod stud. Bend cotter pin ends to secure. If castle nut slots do not align with cotter pin hole, tighten nut slightly until next slot aligns (do not back off the nut).
Torque spec
Tie Rod End Nut62 Nm (46 lb-ft)
8
Remove outer tie rod end from knuckle - passenger side
Remove the cotter pin from the outer tie rod end castle nut using pliers. Remove the castle nut completely. Use a tie rod end puller or approved separator tool to break the taper connection between the tie rod end and steering knuckle.
9
Remove outer tie rod from inner tie rod - passenger side
Loosen the tie rod lock nut (jam nut) connecting the outer tie rod to the inner tie rod. Count and record the number of turns required to completely unthread the outer tie rod end from the inner tie rod.
10
Remove inner tie rod - passenger side
If replacing inner tie rods, use a large adjustable wrench or dedicated inner tie rod tool to grip the flat surfaces on the inner tie rod. Unthread the inner tie rod from the steering rack. Clean the rack threads with a wire brush and inspect for damage.
⚠Support the steering rack boot to prevent tearing during inner tie rod removal.
11
Install new inner tie rod - passenger side
Thread the new inner tie rod onto the steering rack by hand until seated. Tighten the inner tie rod to specification using the appropriate tool. Ensure the steering rack boot is properly positioned and the boot clamp is secure.
Torque spec
Tie Rod Nut62 Nm (46 lb-ft)
12
Install new outer tie rod - passenger side
Thread the new outer tie rod end onto the inner tie rod the same number of turns counted during removal, or align with the paint mark made earlier. Do not tighten the lock nut yet. Verify that exposed thread length approximately matches the measurement taken during disassembly.
13
Connect outer tie rod to knuckle - passenger side
Insert the outer tie rod taper into the steering knuckle bore. Install the castle nut and tighten to specification. Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut and tie rod stud. Bend cotter pin ends to secure. If castle nut slots do not align with cotter pin hole, tighten nut slightly until next slot aligns.
Torque spec
Tie Rod End Nut62 Nm (46 lb-ft)
14
Reinstall wheels
Install both front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower vehicle to the ground and torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
Torque spec
Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)
15
Final torque and alignment preparation
DO NOT torque the tie rod lock nuts at this time. The lock nuts must remain loose until after a professional four-wheel alignment is performed. Mark the lock nuts with paint or tape to remind the alignment technician to torque them to 78 Nm (58 lb-ft) after completing the alignment.
⚠Tightening lock nuts before alignment will prevent proper adjustment and void the purpose of alignment service.

Reassembly

Verify all cotter pins are properly installed and bent
Confirm all tie rod connections are tight except the lock nuts
Check that steering rack boots are properly seated with no tears
Verify steering wheel returns to center position when turned and released
Test steering operation while vehicle is still raised to ensure no binding

Verification

Schedule four-wheel alignment immediately after tie rod replacement
Inform alignment technician to torque tie rod lock nuts to 78 Nm (58 lb-ft) after alignment is set
After alignment, test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify proper steering response
Verify no unusual noises, vibrations, or pulling during test drive
Re-check all fastener torques after 50-100 miles of driving
Monitor tire wear pattern over the next 500 miles to confirm proper alignment