Tie rod ends/ Toe Links

[kstatewildcats]

I'm new here, and I don't mean to post the same thing I'm sure has already been answered, but I need some help here. I have a 2003 explorer AWD... I tried the search function but was unable to turn up a how to on replacing the front inner tie rods. Going to do the outer at the same time... If someone knows where a thread is if they can post a link that would be awesome!

Also may be a silly question, but I replaced the inner tie rods/toe links on the rear and I'm just assuming the inner tie rods were pre-lubed since the boot was fastened down and I couldn't find a grease fitting? Was I correct in my assumption? I used Moog parts.... The outer I greased when I replaced those on the rear...

 

[kstatewildcats]

Anyone know if its the same process on the 2002 -2005 explorers as the previous model?

 

[kstatewildcats]

Please help if you can

Anything? I'm also having trouble finding whether or not Moog has one for this I'm finding part number EV422 inner front and ES3461 outer front on oreillys website, (2003 Ford explorer eddie bauer 4.6l AWD) however when I double check with Moogs website it seems it doesn't match up with that model specifically... Anyone ever purchase front Tie Rod ends from Moog for a model similar to the one above?

 

[matt0248]

I could not say for sure which parts you need, but replacing inner and outer tie rod ends on rack and pinion steering is pretty much the same accross the board. However, you will need to rent an inner tie rod removal/install tool to make it easier. You should be able to rent from AutoZone. This is how I've always replaced inner tie rod ends:

1) jack up and remove front wheels.
2) Loosen the jam nut for the outer tie rod. Remove the nut holding the tie rod end to the steering knuckle.
3) Remove tie rod from knuckle.
4) remove outer from inner, counting the turns as you remove it. This will halp you put the new ones on and be close on teh alignment.
5) remove the two clamps holding the bellows boot on the rack and inner tie rod. then slide the boot off.
6) sometimes there is a locking tab on the inner tie rod end. it is like a washer between the inner tie rod and rack than is then bent over so the inner cannot spin off. If this is there it will need to be bent back out of the way.
7) use the inner tie rod tool to remove the old tie rod, it will unscrew from the rack. The tool may not be necessary if there is enough room to get the proper sized open end wrench in there.
8) reverse the procedure to install. I always put a small dap of blue locktite on the inner tie rod to rack threads. Also when putting on the outer spin it on the same amount of turns that it took to take it off. Once everything is back together, get an alignment done.

 

[kstatewildcats]

Thanks for the instructions that's what I needed to hear. Sounds like a pretty straight forward and simple job... Probably be a few weeks before I get around to getting them swapped out... I'll try and take some pictures so people can see what it all looks like on the 3rd generation Explorers... probably the same...

 

[sillyjt]

I recently installed a moog rear toe link on an 02. It came with a grease zerk in a little bag with new nut also. Had a hole predrilled for the zerk

 

[kstatewildcats]

Sillyjt that was that the outer toe link on the rear? I greased the outer ones, but the inner ones seemed like the boot was clamped down and I didn't see any grease fitting on them.

 

[vipersinu2]

for the inner tie rod ends, I was able to turn the when all the way to extend the tie rod out as far as possiable, then I used a pipe wrench and 5lb hammer to break loose.

 

[kstatewildcats]

Viper did you use the pipe wrench to put the new ones on as well?

 

[vipersinu2]

yes

 

[sillyjt]

Your right it was outer not inner sorry. No mine did not have greasable joint on the inner. I had problems with the little tab that holds it so you can take it out. Had to tack weld back on. Sorry bought wrong end. Good luck. That was fun job

 

[blueoval9erlifer]

where did you find aftermarket parts for the rear at?? ive been looking and havent found what im looking for.

 

[kstatewildcats]

http://www.woodys-auto-supply.com/

I find it's easiest to search the site with the parts number. But I had them on my doorstep in less than 24 hours, however i live near one of their distribution centers.

ES800560 rear inner
ES800562 rear outer

Moog part numbers for the 2003 explorer

can also be found on O Reilly auto parts website. Where I found the part numbers.

 

[miker104]

Here is a link to the Moog P/N's

http://www.moogproblemsolver.com/_pdf_en1/MOOG_PS_Bulletin_211002_ES800560_En.pdf