Some pictures, description, and BOM of a 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid inner and outer tie rod replacement.
Big thanks to ChrisFix for How to Change Tie Rods on YouTube! If you intend on replacing your own tie rods, I recommend watching the linked video.
Related Escape City forum post. (Spoiler: You don’t need to remove the steering gear to replace the inner tie rods. Just be prepared to use the clamp tool, extension bar, and breaker bar described further below to get the grip and leverage needed to move the inner tie rod.)
Disclaimer: I take no responsibility for injury or damage resulting from reference of this material.
Vehicle on jack stands
Old original inner and outer tie rod
Old original outer tie rod with castle nut removed.
Old original outer tie rod detached.
Old original inner tie rod with outer tie rod removed and boot removed.
The old original inner tie rod with OEM Inner Tie Rod Tool clamp attached before unscrewing and removal.
I highly recommend buying the OEM Inner Tie Rod Tool to assist with unscrewing the inner tie rod. A normal OEM Inner Tie Rod Tool will slip!
- OEM Inner Tie Rod Tool clamp used with breaker bar.
- Requires 3/8 inch male to X inch female wrench adapter where X is the size wrench of the breaker bar.
- Requires 3/8 or X inch drive extension bar. Must be ≥ 24 in long so you can reach the tie rod clamp with the breaker bar.
Inner tie rod unscrewed
New Inner tie rod w/ included nut locker
**I needed to smear the included grease around the ball joint as per included instruction sheet. **
Using the clamp tool to screw in the new inner tie rod.
Use torque wrench to ensure correct torque rating.
New inner and outer tie rod installed.
Grease zerk fitting visible on outer tie rod. I used a grease gun and Valvoline VV985 grease to fill up the grease pocket on the outer tie rod.
| Part | Torque for Tightening |
|---|---|
| Inner tie rod | 110 Nm (81 lb-ft) |
| Inner tie rod nut | 40 Nm (30 lb-ft) |
| Outer tie rod castle nut | 55 Nm (41 lb-ft) |
Complete Repair BOM and part numbers.
View the full spreadsheet here.
