How to Replace the Inner and Outer Tie Rod: 2009-2014 Ford F150

Watch this video to learn how to replace inner and outer tie rods on a 2009-2014 Ford F-150.

Replacing Inner and Outer Tie Rods on a 2009-2014 Ford F-150: What You Need

Ready to perform this DIY replacement job? Remember that all the parts in this guide can be found on CarParts.com. Check out all the products that fit your vehicle right here.

Parts Checklist

• Inner tie rod
• Outer tie rods: Driver and Passenger sides
• Protective sleeve
• Penetrating oil
• Threadlocker
• Silicone grease

Tightening Torques

• Inner tie rod: 89 Ft-lbs
• Outer tie rod end jam nut: 76 Ft-lbs
• Outer tie rod holding nut: 85 Ft-lbs

Tools Checklist

Here’s the toolbox we recommend to repair your Ford F-150: HM85 85 Piece Ratchet and Socket Set

List of tools:

• Hydraulic jack
• Jack stands
• Wheel lug wrench
• Wire brush
• Marker
• 24mm spanner
• 15mm spanner
• Ratchet
• 21mm socket
• Ball joint puller
• Hammer
• Caliper
• Pliers
• Cutter
• Long flathead screwdriver
• Tie rod removal wrench
• Breaker bar
• Adjustable spanner
• Torque wrench
• Collar pliers
• Pincers
• 21mm spanner
• 10mm spanner
• 17mm spanner

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Turn off the engine and engage the parking brake.

Step 2: Loosen the stud bolts on the front wheels.

Step 3: Lift the front of your vehicle.

Step 4: Place the vehicle on axle stands for safety. Consult our “How to jack your Ford F-150 safely” video for guidance before proceeding.

Step 5: To replace inner and outer tie rods, remove the wheels for full steering system access. Keep the wheels under the vehicle.

Step 6: Turn the disk outwards to ease the process.

Step 7: Locate the outer tie rod.

Step 8: Use penetrating oil and brushing if needed to ease removal of seized components.

Step 9: Mark a line between the inner and outer tie rods using a marker for future reference.

Step 10: Loosen the locknut on the outer tie rod with a 24mm wrench. Hold the inner tie rod with a 15mm wrench to prevent rotation.

Step 11: Unscrew the outer tie rod holding nut using a socket wrench and a 21mm socket.

Step 12: If a ball joint puller isn’t available, use a hammer to release the ball joint from the knuckle.

Step 13: Unscrew and remove the outer tie rod.

Step 14: Return the locknut to its original position using the marker line as reference.

Step 15: Measure the distance between the locknut and the inner tie rod end using a caliper. Professional wheel alignment check is recommended after this operation.

Step 16: Remove the locknut from the inner tie rod.

Step 17: Remove the external metallic clip on the protective sleeve of the inner tie rod using pliers.

Step 18: Cut the external part of the sleeve using a cutter for removal.

Step 19: Remove the waterproof clip on the sleeve using a flathead screwdriver. Then, remove the sleeve.

Step 20: Use a tie rod removal wrench or adjustable wrench to loosen and unscrew the inner tie rod.

Step 21: Take the new inner tie rod and unscrew the supplied locknut.

Step 22: Apply a medium threadlocker before installing the new inner tie rod.

Step 23: Put the tie rod axle joint back on the steering rack.

Step 24: Screw the inner tie rod back in using the removal tool or an adjustable wrench.

Step 25: Finish tightening with a torque wrench. Remove the tool.

Step 26: Take the new sleeve, clamps, and seal provided in the kit.

Step 27: Install the seal in the sleeve and apply silicone grease to parts in contact with the steering rack and inner tie rod.

Step 28: Put the inner and outer collars on the sleeve.

Step 29: Put the sleeve onto the inner tie rod and position it correctly on the steering rack and shock steering rack.

Step 30: Crimp the collars using collar pliers.

Step 31: Screw the locknut on the inner tie rod until the measured distance is reached.

Step 32: Take the new outer tie rod and unscrew the supplied locknut.

Step 33: Place the outer tie rod until it touches the locknut.

Step 34: Professional alignment check is necessary after working on the steering system.

Step 35: Scrub the knuckle and apply silicone grease to the flat part in contact with the outer tie rod sleeve. Avoid greasing the cone’s inside.

Step 36: Insert the outer tie rod into the knuckle.

Step 37: Place the supplied lug nut and tighten with a 21mm wrench while using a 10mm wrench to lock rotation.

Step 38: Finish tightening using a torque wrench.

Step 39: Tighten the locknut using a 24mm wrench while holding the inner tie rod with a 17mm spanner.

Step 40: Put the wheels back on the vehicle.

Step 41: Lower the car and secure the wheels.

Compatible Vehicles

The operation and tools displayed in the video should be available on the following vehicles :

• 2009 Ford F150
• 2010 Ford F150
• 2011 Ford F150
• 2012 Ford F150
• 2013 Ford F150
• 2014 Ford F150

Important Reminders

During this operation, you will work on the steering system of your vehicle. A professional alignment check should be performed to ensure that your steering system is once again perfectly adjusted and functioning.

The components to be removed are very often seized up, so don’t hesitate to brush and to use penetrating oil to make removal easier.

Disclaimer:

This video is for entertainment purposes only. CarParts.com, Inc. disclaims all damages including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, and/or punitive, for any liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or arising from any information or lack thereof posted in this video. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All mechanical car projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. If you are in doubt, please consult a licensed mechanic in your area.