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How To Replace Outer Tie Rod 2004-08 Ford F150

Created on: 2014-12-09

If the outer tie rod is damaged or loose, this how-to video will show you how to replace it yourself

  1. step 1 :Removing the Wheel
    • Pry off the center cap with a flat blade screwdriver
    • Loosen the lug nuts with the vehicle on the ground
    • Raise the vehicle with a floor jack
    • Secure the vehicle on jack stands
    • Remove the lug nuts
    • Pull off the wheel
  2. step 2 :Removing the Outer Tie Rod
    • Turn the wheel by hand
    • Remove the 21mm nut from the outer tie rod
    • Thread the 21mm nut on a couple of turns
    • Hold the tie rod with an adjustable wrench
    • Loosen the tie rod adjusting nut with an adjustable wrench
    • Strike the steering knuckle with a hammer
    • Twist the 21mm nut off the tie rod
    • Measure the distance from the tie rod boot to the outer tie rod stud
    • Note that measurement
    • Twist off the outer tie rod.
  3. step 3 :Installing the Tie Rod
    • Twist on the outer tie rod
    • Measure the distance from the tie rod boot to the outer tie rod stud
    • This should be the same as the distance noted in Step 2
    • Move the adjusting nut as necessary
    • Push the tie rod into the wheel knuckle
    • Fasten the 21mm nut onto the tie rod
    • Tighten the 21mm nut to 111 foot-pounds of torque
    • Tighten the adjusting nut
    • Twist the grease fitting into the tie rod
    • Tighten the grease fitting with a 7mm socket and ratchet
    • Add grease to the grease fitting with a grease gun
  4. step 4 :Reattaching the Wheel
    • Slide the wheel into place
    • Start the lug nuts by hand
    • Tighten the lug nuts preliminarily
    • Lower the vehicle to the ground
    • Tighten the lug nuts to 120 foot-pounds in a crossing or star pattern
    • Reattach the center cap

Tools needed

  • Adjustable Wrench

    Torque Wrench

    Hammer

    Jack Stands

    Grease Gun

    21mm Socket

    Measuring Tape

    Bearing Grease

    21mm wrench

    7mm Socket

    10mm Socket

    Ratchet

    Floor Jack

Brought to you by 1AAuto.com, your source for quality replacement parts and the best service on the Internet.

Hi, I'm Mike from 1A Auto. I hope this how-to video helps you out, and next time you need parts for your vehicle, think of 1AAuto.com. Thanks.

In this video, we're going to show you how to replace an outer tie rod on this 2005 Ford F150. We show you on the driver side but the passenger side is the same procedure. The items you'll need for this is a new outer tie rod from 1AAuto.com; a 7, 10, and 21mm socket and ratchet with a piece of pipe for leverage; two adjustable wrenches; a tape measure; a hammer; a torque wrench; and jack and jack stands.

Start off by prying off the hub cap. Then loosen up these lug nuts using a 21mm socket and ratchet and a piece of pipe for some extra leverage. Once you get each of them loosened up you can raise the vehicle and remove them the rest of the way. Now pull the wheel off.

Now turn the wheel and then remove this 21mm nut at the top of your outer tie rod. Then once you remove it, you want to just put it back on just a couple threads. Spray the nut at the end of your outer tie rod with some penetrating fluid, and then, using two adjustable wrenches, just loosen it up. Now hammer the knuckle until the outer tie rod drops down. Now you can remove that nut and just set your outer tie rod off to the side.

Now measure from the boot on your inner tie rod to the center of your outer tie rod, and just remember that distance. Then you can twist your outer tie rod free. We'll fast forward as Mike does that.

On the left is the old outer tie rod. On the right, is the new one from 1A Auto. You can see they're identical and they'll fit exactly the same. Take your new outer tie rod and twist it into place. We'll fast forward as Mike does that. Now, measure from the boot to the inside of the outer tie rod and make sure it's the same distance. If it is, you're all set. If not, you'll have to move that nut to adjust it.

Now, feed your outer tie rod up through the wheel knuckle and replace that nut and tighten it up. If the studs start spinning when you use your 21mm socket just use a 21mm wrench and a 10mm socket to hold the stud in place and tighten it up. Then torque that to 111 foot pounds.

Now, using two adjustable wrenches just tighten that nut back up, and then put your grease fitting into place on the outer tie rod. Then just tighten it up with a 7mm socket and ratchet. Using a grease gun, just top it off with some grease.

Now we'll fast forward as Mike replaces the wheel, and replaces the lug nuts, and tightens them preliminary, and then lowers the vehicle and tightens them the rest of the way. Then torque each of them, in a crossing pattern, to 120 foot pounds. Then just replace your hub cap and you're all set.

We hope this video helps you out. Brought to you by www.1AAuto.com, your source for quality replacement parts and the best service on the Internet. Please feel free to call us toll-free, 888-844-3393. We're the company that's here for you on the Internet and in person.

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