How to replace the outer tie rod 2009-2014 Ford F-150

Chapter 1:

Set up

Step 1/1

Turn off your vehicle’s ignition and set the parking brake.

Chapter 2:

Lift the vehicle

Step 1/2

Loosen the stud bolts on the front wheels. Lift the front of your vehicle. Place the vehicle on the axle stands.

Chapter 2:

Step 2/2

To be able to change the tie rods ends on your vehicle, you need to remove the wheels to gain complete access to the steering system. Don’t forget to put the wheels under the vehicle!

Chapter 3:

Tips

Step 1/3

Turn the disk outwards, this will facilitate the following steps. You can now see the outer tie rod.

Chapter 3:

Step 2/3

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.

Chapter 3:

Step 3/3

With a marker, trace a line between the inner tie rod and the outer tie rod. This will be useful later on during its assembly and disassembly.

Chapter 4:

Loosen the locknut

Step 1/2

With a 24mm wrench, loosen the locknut on the outer tie rod.

Chapter 4:

Step 2/2

Hold the inner tie rod with a 15mm wrench to prevent it from turning. The locknut is there to prevent any rotation of the two parts towards each other which could have an impact on the wheel alignment of your vehicle.

Chapter 5:

Loosen the holding nut

Step 1/1

Using a socket wrench and a 21mm socket, unscrew the outer tie rod holding nut.

Chapter 6:

Remove the outer tie rod

Step 1/2

If you do not have a ball joint puller, a tool specifically designed for this task, take a hammer and hit the knuckle.

Chapter 6:

Step 2/2

The ball joint should come out of the knuckle. Unscrew the outer tie rod and remove it.

Chapter 7:

Measure

Step 1/2

Use the markings made with the marker to return the locknut to its original position. Then, measure the distance between the locknut and the end of the inner tie rod using a caliper. In any case, a wheel alignment check will have to be carried out by a professional soon after having performed this operation.

Chapter 7:

Step 2/2

Remove the locknut from the inner tie rod.

Chapter 8:

Install the locknut

Step 1/1

Take the new outer tie rod and unscrew the locknut supplied with it. Screw the locknut back on until the distance measured with the caliper is reached.

Chapter 9:

Put the outer tie rod back

Step 1/1

Put the outer tie rod back in place until it touches the locknut.

Chapter 10:

Tips

Step 1/1

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.

Chapter 11:

Put the outer tie rod back

Step 1/2

Using a wire brush, scrub the knuckle, then apply silicone grease to the flat part that will be in contact with the sleeve of the outer tie rod. Do not grease the inside of the cone.

Chapter 11:

Step 2/2

Put the outer tie rod back in place in the knuckle. Put the lugnut supplied with the new part in place and tighten it using 21mm wrench, and a 10mm wrench to lock the rotation of the threaded rod. Finish tightening using a torque wrench.

Chapter 12:

Install the locknut

Step 1/1

Finish tightening the locknut using a 24mm wrench by holding the inner tie rod still with the help of a 17 mm spanner to avoid damaging the tie rod.

Chapter 13:

Finalise the reassembly

Step 1/2

Then, you will be able to put the wheels back on your vehicle. Put the car back on the ground and block the wheels properly.

Chapter 13:

Step 2/2

Operation completed!