fix a broken tie rod? minvin van ford winstar 1998?

If the tie rod is the inner one you will need a special tool to take the old one out. If it is the outer one you just have to do the following; raise the vehicle and put it on a set of sturdy jack stands. remove the tire on the side you want to work on and you will see the tie rod it is connected to the lower control arm. using a set of wire pliers remove the cotter key, then remove the castlated nut, and then using a tie rod tool seperate the tie rod from the lower control arm. mark the tie rod where it meets the connecting sleeve and remove it from the sleeve. to install the new one you place the new one next to the old one and put a mark on it at the place the you marked the old one. install the new tie rod and screw it in until you come to the mark you put on it. put the pin into the lower control arm and install the castleted nut and tighten it until it is snug. take a torque wrench and torque it to the recommended value. install the cotter key and bend it over until it is snug against the pin. reinstall the tire and take it to a garage and have the front end aligned. I hope this helps you: Note: you can get the tool to replace the inner or outer tie rod at any auto parts store.

Mickey-G
August 2008