Explorer 2WD V6-245 4.0L SOHC VIN E EFI (1997)
Tie Rod End: Service and Repair
Inner Tie Rod
REMOVAL
1. Remove the Steering Gear.
NOTE: Left hand procedure shown. Right hand procedure similar. Repairs involving the RH end of the steering gear will require the RH tie rod
end to be removed.
2. Remove the bellows.
(1) Remove the clamps.
(2) Remove the bellows.
CAUTION: Clean the areas around the bellows where it attaches to the steering gear housing and the front wheel spindle tie rod to avoid
contamination of the steering system.
3. Turn the input shaft to the left to expose the flat at the end of the rack teeth.
4. Remove the front wheel spindle tie rod.
CAUTION: All torque reaction must be taken with a wrench on the rack flat end. Only use hand tools when working on the front wheel spindle
tie rod to avoid damaging the teeth on the rack and pinion.
NOTE: The valve portion of the steering gear must remain unsupported while removing the front wheel spindle tie rod. This applies to both ends.