How to Replace a Tie Rod End on a 1995 Escort GT

The Ford Escort was introduced in 1981. The 1999 Ford Escort base model was equipped with a 1.8-liter in-line four-cylinder engine. The 1999 Ford Escort ZX2 model was available in two versions, both equipped with a 1.9-liter in-line four-cylinder engine. The tie rod ends on the 1999 Escort can become loose, as the ball joint inside the tie rod end wears out. This can be caused by several bumps or potholes on a road, or by one single large bump at a great enough speed. The inner and outer tie rods control the toe alignment of the wheels.

Instructions

1

Loosen both front wheel lug nut sets with a tire iron. Raise the front of the car with a jack. Place jack stands underneath the frame rails, about one foot inward from the back of the tires (where the lower control arms are connected to the frame). Lower the car onto the jack stands. Remove both front wheel lug nuts, then remove both of the front wheels.

2

Remove the cotter pin on the outer tie rod stud, using a pair of pliers. Loosen the jam nut from the innermost end of the outer tie rod, by placing one open-end wrench on the outer tie rod, and another open-end wrench on the jam. Once the nut is loose, place one wrench on the jam nut and another on the inner tie rod. Hold the inner tie rod still while spinning the jam nut as far inward as possible.

3

Make a mark on the innermost point of the outer tie rod, where it meets the threads of the inner tie rod. Use a white paint marker to make this mark, which will act as a place marker for the new tie rod to be installed to.

4

Remove the castle nut from the outer tie rod stud, using a ratchet and socket. Gently tap the outer tie rod stud upward until the tie rod pops free from the steering knuckle. Place one open-end wrench on the inner tie rod, and one on the outer tie rod. Spin the outer tie rod off of the inner tie rod while holding the inner tie rod still with the wrench. Remove the outer tie rod from the Escort completely.

5

Thoroughly grease the inner tie rod threads, being careful not to cover your white marking with the grease. Insert a small amount of grease into the female threaded end of the outer tie rod. Spin the outer new outer tie rod onto the inner tie rod, by hand, holding the inner tie rod with an open-end wrench. Use an open-end wrench on the outer tie rod if you cannot turn the outer tie rod by hand any further. Turn the outer tie rod until it aligns with the outer edge of the white mark.

6

Insert the new outer tie rod ball stud into the steering knuckle. Tighten the ball stud castle nut to between 32 and 41 foot-pounds, with a 1/2-inch drive torque wrench and socket. Install a new cotter pin into the hole in the ball stud. Bend the cotter pin to lock the castle nut in place.

7

Visually inspect the alignment of the brake rotor against the side body line of the Escort. The body line runs straight lengthwise along the vehicle, and makes a good focal point for a preliminary alignment. Adjust the alignment by turning the inner tie rod in the direction that steers the alignment to a straight position. Tighten the jam nut against the outer tie rod with an open-end wrench, while holding the inner tie rod with another open-end wrench. Do not let the inner tie rod spin while tightening the nut as tight as you can, using the wrench.

8

Repeat Steps 2 through 7 to complete the outer tie rod replacement on the other side of the Escort.

9

Install the front wheels onto the Escort, and snug the lug nuts with a tire iron. Raise the Escort off the jack stands, then remove the jack stands from beneath the car. Lower the car to the ground. Immediately tighten the front wheel lug nuts on both sides to 95 foot-pounds with the torque wrench and a socket.

10

Take the vehicle to a professional automotive shop, where they can perform a laser-guided alignment on the vehicle. Do not drive an extended distance using the preliminary alignment that you performed during the tie rod replacements.