How to Replace Outer Tie Rod 83-02 Ford Crown Victoria

Difficulty: Advanced · About 60 min · Ford Crown Victoria

Replace the outer tie rod, preserving the original toe setting with a measurement, on a Ford Crown Victoria.

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 tie rod

   Spin the rotor for access, pull the cotter pin from the tie rod nut, remove the 19mm bolt from the tie rod end, loosen the adjusting sleeve's 1/2 inch nut and bolt, attach a tie rod puller to the knuckle to separate the tie rod end, soak the adjusting sleeve in penetrant, measure and note the distance from the sleeve's end to the tie rod's end, then unscrew the tie rod from the sleeve with an adjustable wrench and pull it out.

3. Install the new outer tie rod

   Thread it into the adjusting sleeve to match your noted measurement, insert it into the knuckle, start the 19mm nut and torque it to about 40-45 ft-lb (turning further to align the cotter pin hole), fit a new cotter pin, then tighten the adjusting sleeve's nut and bolt to about 20-21 ft-lb.

4. Reinstall the wheel

   Torque the lug nuts to about 100-110 ft-lb in a crossing pattern, refit the center cap, then have the car professionally aligned.

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