How to Replace the Tie-Rod on a 2001 Ford Escape

The tie-rods in your 2001 Ford Escape connect the rack and pinion steering system to the steering arm on the steering knuckle. The simple ball and socket type joint used in the tie-rod allows the suspension to travel as necessary while allowing the driver to maintain constant directional control. Replacement of the tie-rod is within the skill level of the average technician but requires a special tie-rod tool available at most auto parts stores.

Instructions

1

Apply the parking brake. Loosen the lug nuts on the front wheel that contains the faulty wheel bearing. Raise and support the front of the Escape using a floor jack and jack stands positioned under the front subframe. Remove the wheel completely.

2

Loosen the jamb nut that secures the outer tie-rod end to the inner tie-rod. Straighten the ends of the cotter pin that secures the castellated outer tie-rod end nut using wire cutters. Pull the cotter pin out of the nut. Remove the tie-rod nut using a 17-mm wrench.

3

Separate the outer tie-rod end from the steering knuckle by striking the steering arm it is attaches to with a few sharp blows from a hammer. Unscrew the outer tie-rod end from the inner tie-rod, counting the number of turns required to completely remove the end, and lay the tie-rod end aside.

4

Unscrew the outer tie-rod end jamb-nut from the inner tie-rod. Compress the small clamp that secures the outer end of the bellows boot to the inner tie-rod and slip it off the boot. Loosen and remove the clamp that secures the inner end of the bellows boot to the rack and pinion system using an 8-mm socket and ratchet. Slide the bellows boot off the inner tie-rod and lay it aside.

5

Slip the inner tie-rod tool adapter that fits snuggest, over the inner tie-rod nut located on the end of the rack and pinion. Slip the tie-rod tool over the adapter and twist the ring on the tool to lock it in place. Rotate the tool counter clockwise using a ratchet and remove the inner tie-rod end from the rack and pinion.

6

Apply a drop of thread locking compound (supplied with the new tie-rod) onto the threads of the new tie-rod. Install the new inner tie-rod onto the end of the rack and pinion. Tighten the tie-rod using the tie-rod tool.

7

Reinstall the bellows boot onto the new tie-rod and over the rack and pinion. Tighten the clamp to secure the boot. Note the small tube that connects the bellows boots on both sides. Slip the end of the tube into the port on the boot.

8

Slip the outer clamp onto the bellows boot. Screw the new jamb-nut, supplied with the new tie-rod, onto the inner tie-rod. Screw the new outer tie-rod onto the inner tie-rod the same number of turns that were required to remove the old one. Slip the outer tie-rod into the steering arm and install the castellated nut. Torque the nut to 41 foot-pounds using a torque wrench. Install a new cotter pin.

9

Reinstall the wheel. Lift the Escape off the jack stands, remove the stands and lower the jack until the wheels touch the ground. Torque the lug nuts to 98 foot-pounds using a torque wrench. Drive the Ford to an auto repair shop and have an alignment performed.