How to Replace Tie Rod 81-02 Lincoln Town Car

Difficulty: Advanced · About 70 min · Lincoln Town Car

Replace the outer tie rod, preserving the original toe setting with a marked measurement, on a Lincoln Town Car.

Steps

1. Remove the wheel

   Loosen the lug nuts with the car on the ground, then raise and support it and pull the wheel.

2. Remove the old outer tie rod

   Turn the rotor or steering wheel for access, pull the cotter pin, loosen the 19mm tie rod nut and the clamp's 1/4 inch nut and bolt, soak the end in penetrant, then separate it from the knuckle with a pickle fork and hammer (or thread the 19mm nut on upside down and strike it if no pickle fork is available), mark the outer tie rod's threads where they meet the inner rod, then twist it off with an adjustable wrench.

3. Measure for the new tie rod

   Measure from the end of the old tie rod to its marked threads, then mark the new tie rod at the same spot.

4. Install the new outer tie rod

   Remove its shipping boot, twist it into place to match your mark, clean the knuckle, push the tie rod in, thread on the 19mm nut and torque it to about 50 ft-lb, line it up with the cotter pin hole, fit a new cotter pin, then tighten the clamp's bolt to about 20-25 ft-lb.

5. Reinstall the wheel

   Torque the lug nuts to about 100 ft-lb in a crossing pattern, then refit the center cap.

Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.