The 1990 Ford Taurus was available in several different sub-models. The engine choices for the 1990 Taurus included two versions of the 3.0-liter V-6, but with different horsepower ratings for both engines. The inner tie rod on the 1990 Taurus is the link between the outer steering linkages and the rack and pinion assembly. A worn inner tie rod can have the same amount of play as a worn outer tie rod, and replacement then becomes the only option. Replacing the inner tie rod on the 1990 Taurus is difficult and very detail-oriented work.
Instructions
- 1
Loosen the front wheel lug nuts on the Taurus with a tire iron. Raise the front of the car with a jack and place jack stands beneath the front subframe rails, just inward from the lower control arms. Lower the car onto the jack stands. Completely remove the wheel lug nuts, then remove both front tires from the car.
2Remove the cotter pin from one outer tie rod ball stud, just beneath the steering knuckle mount, using pliers. Install an open-end wrench onto the inner tie rod, on the flattened surface. Loosen the outer tie rod jam nut with a second open-end wrench, while holding the inner tie rod still. Turn the jam nut inward on the inner tie rod threads about 1/2 inch from the outer tie rod.
3Remove the outer tie rod castle nut from the ball stud using a ratchet and socket. Pull the ball stud up and out of the steering knuckle with a pry bar. Remove the outer tie rod end by turning it counterclockwise in relation to its position on the inner tie rod. Hold the inner tie rod still with an open-end wrench while you remove the outer tie rod end. Count the number of turns you make with the outer tie rod to completely remove it. The number of turns is essential for installation purposes.
4Remove the metal band clamps that hold the inner tie rod boot in place. Use side cutters to cut the clamps free, then slide the rubber boot downward and off the inner tie rod end. Place a drain pan at the far outer end of the inner tie rod.
5Place a large pipe wrench or box wrench onto the steering rack jam nut, where the inner tie rod enters the power steering rack. Turn the large nut counterclockwise in relation to its position on the car to loosen it from the steering rack. Remove the large nut from the rack and slide it outward and off the inner tie rod. You will loose power steering fluid during this step, so make sure the drain pan is in place to drip the fluid off the inner tie rod end.
6Pull the inner tie rod free from the rack and pinion, and slide the drain pan directly beneath the steering rack. Inspect the seal between the inner tie rod and the steering rack. If the seal looks cracked or worn, remove the seal with pliers and replace it with a fresh seal at this time.
7Install the new inner tie rod into the power steering rack.This a ball-and-socket type joint so fitting the inner tie rod is just a matter of pressing it into the receiving joint of the steering rack. Install the large nut over the end of the inner tie rod and fasten the nut onto the steering rack. Tighten the nut with a large pipe or box wrench until it is snug. Turn the nut 1/2 turn farther to make sure the large nut is secured.
8Install a new inner tie rod boot over the tie rod. Fasten zip ties or large hose clamps to the ends of the new boot to secure the boot. Tighten the zip ties with a pair of pliers, or the hose clamps with a ratchet and socket until they are snug. Install a new outer tie rod jam nut onto the inner tie rod, and turn the nut until it is near the end of the inner threads on the inner tie rod.
9Install the outer tie rod onto the new inner tie rod by turning the outer rod clockwise while holding the inner tie rod still with an open-end wrench. Turn the outer tie rod the exact amount of turns you performed to remove the tie rod earlier. Tighten the jam nut snug against the outer tie rod with an open-end wrench, while holding the inner tie rod still. Turn the jam nut 1/2 turn farther to ensure it is firm against the outer tie rod.
10Install the outer tie rod ball stud through the mounting hole in the steering knuckle. Attach the castle nut to the ball stud and tighten the nut snug. Torque the nut with a 1/2-inch-drive torque wrench and socket to 35 foot-pounds. Install a new cotter pin through the ball stud shaft and bend the pin to secure it using pliers.
11Repeat steps 2 through 10 to complete the inner tie rod replacement on the second side of the car if needed. Install the front wheels onto the car, and tighten them snug with a tire iron. Raise the Taurus off the jack stands, then remove the stands from beneath the car. Lower the Taurus to the ground and tighten the wheel lug nuts to 100 foot-pounds with your torque wrench and a wheel nut socket.
12Open the hood on the Taurus. Add power steering fluid until the reservoir is full. Enter the driver's seat of the car and start the engine. Turn the steering wheel to its farthest points left and right, then turn off the engine. Repeat this step until the whining in the power steering pump stops and the power steering level stops dropping in the reservoir. This process removes any air trapped inside the power steering system, and replaces the air pockets with much-needed fluid.
