Ford Explorer: Power Steering / Removal and Installation - Steering Gear Boot

Special Tool(s) / General Equipment

Materials

Removal

NOTICE: The steering gear boots and clamps are designed to provide an airtight seal and protect the internal components of the steering gear. If the seal is not airtight, the vacuum generated during turning will draw water and contamination into the gear, causing failure of the steering gear components. Zip ties must not be used as they do not provide an airtight seal.

NOTICE: The inner ball joint grease is not compatible with water contamination. Do not allow water to become trapped in the grease or degradation and failure of the joint may occur.

1. Remove the tie rod end.
   Refer to: Tie Rod End (211-02 Power Steering, Removal and Installation).
   

1. Remove the tie rod end jamb nut.
   

1. If equipped.
   Remove the underbody shield.
   Refer to: Engine Front Undershield (501-02 Front End Body Panels, Removal and Installation).
   

1. 1. Remove and discard the inner bellows boot clamp.
      
   2. Remove and discard the outer bellows boot clamp.
      

1. NOTE: Move the bellows boot enough to gain access to the inner tie rod nut.

   Position aside the bellows boot.
   

Installation

1. Apply the specified grease to the steering gear-to-bellows boot mating surface and bellows boot groove on the tie-rod.
   Material: Motorcraft® Premium Long-Life Grease / XG-1-E1 (ESA-M1C75-B)

1. 1. Install the new steering gear bellows boot.
      
   2. Install the new inner bellows boot clamp.
      Use the General Equipment: Boot Clamp Pliers
   3. Install the new outer bellows boot clamp.
      

1. If equipped.
   Install the underbody shield.
   Refer to: Engine Front Undershield (501-02 Front End Body Panels, Removal and Installation).
   

1. Thread the tie rod end jam nut onto the tie rod.
   

1. Install the tie rod end.
   Refer to: Tie Rod End (211-02 Power Steering, Removal and Installation).