The outer tie rod end on a Ford Ranger is the connection between the steering rack and the steering knuckles. These tie rods connect to the steering knuckle via a ball joint. Over time, this ball joint can wear down, causing play in the steering. This play can cause excessive tire wear and problems with steering. To fix the problem, you need to replace the outer tie rod end with a new one, but first you have to remove the old one.
Things You’ll Need
- Tire iron
- Jack
- Jack stands
- Open-end wrench set
- Tie rod separator tool
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Loosen but do not remove the front wheel lugs using the tire iron. Jack up the front of the truck with the jack and put the jack stands underneath the frame. Remove the front wheels using the tire iron.
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Locate the tie rod end on the steering knuckle. Place an open-end wrench on the flattened section of the tie rod end, then place another on the locking nut at the end of the tie rod. Loosen the locking nut with the wrench.
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Remove the nut on the bottom of the ball joint at the end of the tie rod using an open-end wrench. Set the ball joint removal tool onto the ball joint, then tighten the tool to pop it out of the steering knuckle.
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Set a wrench on the flattened edge of the tie rod and twist the tie rod off of the end of the steering linkage.