Attachment III - Technical Instructions

Inner Tie Rod Inspection and,
if Necessary, Replacement

Affected Vehicles:
1995 Model Year Explorer

Technical Instructions

Reference: 1995 Explorer Body Chassis Service Manual: Section 11-02C-2

Inspection

1. Remove the steering gear and inner and outer tie rods from the vehicle as an assembly as outlined in the referenced service manual.

CAUTION
When disconnecting the steering gear, do not rotate the steering wheel or damage to the clockspring may result.

2. The part number/build date is stamped on the inner tie rod ball socket. Remove the large clamp from the inner end of the boot and pull the boot back to expose the ball socket end of the inner tie rod. Inspect the date code on each tie rod.


Example: F57C328OHA5B11 C

5B11 represents the tie rod build date in this example.

5 = calendar year (5 = 1995, 4 = 1994)

B = month of production

A - January

B - February

C - March

K - October

L - November

M - December

11-the day of the month

3. If the tie rod build date is January 20, 1995 (5A20) or later, the tie rod is acceptable and does not need replacement. Install the new boot clamps from the inspection kit (F57Z-3C650-AA) and reinstall the steering gear assembly using the new cotter pins from the kit as outlined in service manual section <<11-02C-3>>.

If the tie rod build date is January 19, 1995 (5A19) or earlier (4K01 through SA19), go to the replacement procedure below.

Replacement:

1. Remove and install the new tie rod(s) as outlined in Service Manual, Section 11-020.

NOTE:
The repair kit (F57Z-3280-AA) has only one tie rod and associated parts. If both tie rods need replacement, two (2) repair kits are required.

2. Check/correct toe in.