How to replace the inner and outer tie rods 2006 – 2012 Ford Fusion 1

Chapter 1:

Lift the vehicle

Step 1/3

Turn your engine off and set the parking brake.

Chapter 1:

Step 2/3

Loosen the stud bolts on the front wheels.

Chapter 1:

Step 3/3

Lift the front of your vehicle. Place the vehicle on the jack stands. Don’t forget to put the wheels under the vehicle!

Chapter 2:

Visualise

Step 1/1

Turn the brake disc inward to make this operation easier. You can now see the outer tie rod.

Chapter 3:

Set up

Step 1/2

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 2/2

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:

Remove the outer tie rod

Step 1/5

With a 7/8″ wrench, loosen the locknut on the outer tie rod. Hold the inner tie rod with a 19mm wrench to prevent it from turning.

Chapter 4:

Step 2/5

Remove the cotter pin from the castellated nut of the outer tie rod with pliers.

Chapter 4:

Step 3/5

Using a 17mm wrench, unscrew the outer tie rod holding nut. Using a vise grip, hold the ball joint to prevent it from turning.

Chapter 4:

Step 4/5

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

Chapter 4:

Step 5/5

Unscrew the outer tie rod and remove it.

Chapter 5:

Measure

Step 1/2

Use the markings made with the marker to return the locknut to its original position.

Chapter 5:

Step 2/2

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 6:

Remove the sleeve

Step 1/3

Remove the locknut from the inner tie rod.

Chapter 6:

Step 2/3

With pliers, remove the external metallic clip on the protective sleeve of the inner tie rod.

Chapter 6:

Step 3/3

Using a flathead screwdriver, remove the waterproof clip on the sleeve. Remove the waterproof clip on the sleeve. Remove the sleeve.

Chapter 7:

Remove the inner tie rod

Step 1/3

Using a tie rod removal wrench, a specific tool for carrying out this job, you can now loosen everything without difficulty.

Chapter 7:

Step 2/3

To do this, insert the tool up to the fixed part of the inner tie rod, then with the help of a breaker bar, unscrew the inner tie rod. If the inner tie rod is dented, you can loosen it using an adjustable wrench.

Chapter 7:

Step 3/3

Remove the washer.

Chapter 8:

Install the new inner tie rod

Step 1/5

Put the washer in place.

Chapter 8:

Step 2/5

Take the new inner tie rod and unscrew the locknut supplied with it.

Chapter 8:

Step 3/5

Before installing the new inner tie rod, apply a medium threadlocker to prevent accidental unscrewing.

Chapter 8:

Step 4/5

Put the inner tie rod back on the steering rack. Still using the same tool or using an adjustable wrench, screw the inner tie rod back in.

Chapter 8:

Step 5/5

Finish tightening using a torque wrench. Then remove the tool.

Chapter 9:

Install the protective sleeve

Step 1/4

Now take the new sleeve and clamps provided in the kit.

Chapter 9:

Step 2/4

Then position the inner collar correctly. Then apply silicone grease to the part of the sleeve that will be in contact with the steering rack, and the part in contact with the inner tie rod.

Chapter 9:

Step 3/4

Place the sleeve on the shock steering rack.

Chapter 9:

Step 4/4

You can now crimp the collar with collar pliers, or pincers. Replace the outer collar.

Chapter 10:

Install the locknut

Step 1/1

Screw the locknut back on until the distance measured with the caliper is reached.

Chapter 11:

Install the new outer tie rod

Step 1/4

Take the new outer tie rod and unscrew the locknut supplied with it.

Chapter 11:

Step 2/4

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

Chapter 11:

Step 3/4

Use a 13mm wrench to rotate the inner tie rod in order to place the outer tie rod in the correct position.

Chapter 11:

Step 4/4

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 12:

Finalise the tightening of the locknut

Step 1/5

Put the outer tie rod back in place in the knuckle. You can use a plastic mallet.

Chapter 12:

Step 2/5

Put the nut supplied with the new part in place and tighten it using 19mm wrench, and a wrench to lock the rotation of the threaded rod.

Chapter 12:

Step 3/5

Finish tightening using a torque wrench.

Chapter 12:

Step 4/5

Take the cotter pin and fit it into the castle nut. You can now bend the cotter pin.

Chapter 12:

Step 5/5

Finish tightening the locknut using a 22 mm wrench by holding the inner tie rod still with the help of a 19 mm wrench to avoid damaging the outer tie rod.

Chapter 13:

Put the vehicle back on the ground

Step 1/2

Then, you will be able to put the wheels back on your vehicle.

Chapter 13:

Step 2/2

Put the car back on the ground and block the wheels properly. Operation complete.