How to Replace Tie Rod Ends on a Ford Probe

The Probe, a sporty coupe manufactured by Ford from 1989 to 1997, came equipped with rack and pinion steering. There are two different kinds of tie rod end on all rack and pinion systems, so both types will be covered here. The first type is the standard outer tie rod end that is a 90 degree ball and socket joint. The other is the inner tie rod socket, and is also a ball and socket joint but is oriented horizontally to the vehicle.

Things You'll Need

• Jack
• Jack stands
• 3/8 drive socket set
• Hammer
• Outer tie rod puller
• Diagonal cutter
• Inner tie rod socket tool
• Large plastic wire ties

Instructions

Disassemble

1. Raise the vehicle until the wheel is off the ground, and support it with jack stands on the front sub frame of the Probe. Supporting it on the front sub frame will keep the jack stands from interfering with your work area.

2. Remove the outer tie rod end by first loosening the jam nut located on the inner tie rod. This jam nut keeps the tie rod from loosening after an alignment. Then remove the cotter pin and nut holding the tie rod to the steering knuckle. Use the tie rod end puller to pop the tie rod stud out of the steering knuckle. Unscrew the outer tie rod and jam nut from the inner tie rod, counting the number of turns it takes to remove it--usually around 20 turns.

3. Remove the inner tie rod end by first removing the outer dust boot clamp, inner dust boot clamp, and sliding the dust boot off the inner tie rod. The outer clamp is removed by squeezing it with the diagonal cutter to release the tension and slipping off the boot. The inner is a one time use steel band that should be broken off and replaced. Then just slide the boot off and set it aside.

4. Install the inner tie rod tool on the recesses of the inner tie rod ball socket, and unscrew it from the rack and pinion. This tool is available for purchase, and may be available for rent, at your local auto parts store.

Assemble

1. Drip a few drops of thread locking compound onto the inner threads of the new inner tie rod ends ball and socket joint. Then screw it into place, and securely tighten it with the tie rod socket tool. Slip the dust boot into place, making sure to engage the vent tube, and slide it into place on the rack and pinion. Wrap a new large plastic wire tie around the inner part of the dust boot, and tighten as tight as possible so that the boot is held securely in place. Reinstall the outer clamp onto the boot.

2. Install the new outer tie rod by screwing the jam nut and new tie rod onto the inner tie rod the same number of turns as the old one was installed. This will put the alignment close enough to drive to the alignment shop without severe tire damage.

   Insert the tie rod end's stud into the steering knuckle and securely tighten it with the new nut. Install the new cotter pin, and spread the cotter pin to prevent it from falling out.

3. Reinstall the wheel, and torque the lug nuts to 100 foot-lbs with a torque wrench. Remove the jack stands and lower the wheel back to the ground.

   Drive straight to the alignment shop and have wheel alignment done to reset the toe angle that was disturbed during the procedure.