How to Replace Outer Tie Rod 10-12 Ford Escape

Difficulty: Advanced · About 45 min · Ford Escape

Replace the outer tie rod on a 2010-2012 Ford Escape.

Steps

1. Remove the wheel

   Loosen the lugs with a 19mm socket with the car on the ground, then raise and support it and pull the wheel.

2. Remove the old outer tie rod

   Apply rust penetrant to rusty surfaces, loosen the 21mm jam nut, remove the 18mm castle nut with a socket and breaker bar, hammer the ball joint loose, then unscrew the tie rod, counting the turns, and remove the jam nut.

3. Install the new outer tie rod

   Refit the jam nut, thread the new tie rod on using the same turn count, hand-tighten the jam nut, seat the ball joint in the knuckle, install the 18mm castle nut and torque it to about 59 ft-lb, fit a new cotter pin, grease the ball joint through its 7mm fitting, then torque the jam nut to about 46 ft-lb.

4. Reinstall the wheel

   Seat the wheel, hand-tighten the lugs, lower the car partway, torque the lugs to about 100 ft-lb, then lower it the rest of the way.

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