Ford Focus Service Manual: Tie Rod - Inner

Boot Clamp Pliers 205-D067 (D87P-1098-A) or equivalent

Removal

1. NOTICE: The steering gear bellows boots and clamps are designed to produce an airtight seal and protect the internal components of the steering gear. If the seal is not airtight, the vacuum generated during turning will draw water and contamination into the gear, causing damage. Zip ties do not provide an airtight seal and must not be used.

   NOTICE: The inner tie-rod ball joint grease is not compatible with water. Water trapped in the grease will damage the joint.

   NOTE:

   The ball stud housing of an OEM inner tie rod is a rounded design and has no flat surfaces to accommodate the use of a wrench. The ball stud housing of a replacement inner tie rod is designed with flat surfaces.

   NOTE:

   If repairing the RH side, it will be necessary to pull back the LH inner tie-rod boot to hold the steering gear.

   Remove the outer tie rod. For additional information, refer to Tie Rod — Outer in this section.

1. Remove the tie-rod jam nut from the inner tie rod.

1. Remove and discard the outer bellows boot clamp.

1. Remove and discard the inner bellows boot clamp.

1. Remove the steering gear bellows boot.

1. NOTICE: Use an appropriate-sized wrench on the flat of the rack gear to resist rotation and to prevent damage during the removal of the inner tie rod.

   NOTE:

   An assistant may be needed to hold the steering gear rack for removal of the RH inner tie rod.

   NOTE:

   Set screw style inner tie rod tool shown.

   Position the steering gear left of center and, while holding the steering gear rack, use a suitable set screw style inner tie rod tool (such as Matco® stock # TRT48) to remove the inner tie rod.

Installation

1. NOTICE: Thoroughly remove any abrasive material. This material is extremely harmful to the steering gear.

   Thoroughly clean and inspect all parts to be reused. Replace any parts as necessary.

1. NOTICE: Use an appropriate-sized wrench on the flat of the rack gear to resist rotation and to prevent damage during the installation of the inner tie rod.

   NOTE:

   Crowfoot style inner tie rod tool shown.

   Position the steering gear left of center and, while holding the steering gear rack, use a suitable crowfoot style inner tie rod tool (such as Snap On® stock # YA3000B), or an appropriate-sized crowfoot wrench to install the inner tie rod.
   • Tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).

1. NOTICE: Make sure the bellows boot is correctly aligned with the vent tube and the raised alignment mark on the steering gear. Incorrect venting may lead to internal steering gear component damage.

   NOTE:

   Right side shown, left side similar.

   NOTE:

   To prevent the bellows boot from twisting during toe adjustment, apply the specified grease to the groove in the tie rod and uniformly to the inner diameter of the boot.

   NOTE:

   Make sure the bellows boot is positioned correctly over the steering gear housing bead and the groove in the inner tie rod.

   Install the steering gear bellows boot.

1. Using the Boot Clamp Pliers, install a new inner bellows boot clamp.

1. Install a new outer bellows boot clamp.

1. Install the tie-rod jam nut onto the inner tie rod.

1. Install the outer tie-rod end. For additional information, refer to Tie Rod — Outer in this section.

1. Check and if necessary, adjust the front toe. For additional information, refer to Section  204-00.