How to Replace Front Tie Rod Boot 06-10 Ford Explorer

Difficulty: Advanced · About 75 min · Ford Explorer

Replace a torn front tie rod boot on a 2006-2010 Ford Explorer, preserving the original toe setting with a turn count.

Steps

1. Remove the wheel

   Loosen the five 19mm lug nuts, then raise and support the truck and slide the wheel off.

2. Separate the outer tie rod from the knuckle

   Soak the tie rod end in penetrant, back off its 21mm jam nut, remove the 19mm castle nut, tap the knuckle to break the stud loose, then count how many turns it takes to unscrew the outer tie rod from the inner one so the new boot goes back on at the same spot. Lock the inner tie rod with pliers and note the jam nut's turn count too.

3. Remove the old boot

   Pull off the outer boot clamp with needle-nose pliers, cut or split the inner clamp, then slide the old boot off the tie rod.

4. Fit the new boot

   Slide the new boot onto the tie rod and seat it on the steering rack, then loop and tighten both new clamps in place with pliers.

5. Reinstall the outer tie rod

   Grease both tie rod threads, thread the jam nut on, then thread the outer tie rod back on using the same turn count recorded earlier, seat the stud in the knuckle, and torque the castle nut to about 52 ft-lb.

6. Reinstall the wheel

   Torque the lug nuts to about 100 ft-lb in a crossing pattern, then have the alignment checked since the tie rod was disturbed.

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