How to replace the outer tie rod 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 1/6

With a 7/8″ wrench, loosen the locknut on the outer tie rod.

Chapter 4:

Step 2/6

Hold the inner tie rod with a 19mm wrench to prevent it from turning.

Chapter 4:

Step 3/6

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

Chapter 4:

Step 4/6

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 5/6

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 6/6

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 locknut

Step 1/1

Remove the locknut from the inner tie rod.

Chapter 7:

Install the locknut

Step 1/1

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

Chapter 8:

Prepare the new outer tie rod

Step 1/1

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

Chapter 9:

Install the new outer tie rod

Step 1/2

Put the outer tie rod back in place until it touches the locknut. Use a 13mm wrench to rotate the inner tie rod in order to place the outer tie rod in the correct position.

Chapter 9:

Step 2/2

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 10:

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 10:

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 10:

Step 3/5

Finish tightening using a torque wrench.

Chapter 10:

Step 4/5

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

Chapter 10:

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 11:

Put the vehicle back on the ground

Step 1/2

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

Chapter 11:

Step 2/2

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