2018 Miramar drag link

stewtburb · 04-09-2022, 07:19 PM

Just got under my 2018 Miramar 35.2 to attempt oil change and noticed the grease seal on front end of drag link damaged. After further inspection both the front and rear connections seem rotated about 10 degrees whereas I would expect the surfaces to be square with each other. Nothing seems loose and no issues handling but now concerned as we have a short local trip starting 4/13/22. Attaching two photos for reference. Any responses appreciated.

Thanks,
Steve

**16ACE27** · 04-09-2022, 08:05 PM

I'd call your Ford dealer and see what parts have to be replaced to fix the grease cup problem; maybe just the cup, maybe a replaceable ball joint assembly, maybe the entire drag link. In any case this is not a reason to interfere with your upcoming trip.

Long & Winding road · 04-09-2022, 09:31 PM

I would wipe off off of the exessive grease and see what the rubber boot looks like. It might be fine.

Most shops over grease... that why I like to do it myself then wipe them all down later that day or the next day.

You can grab that end link bar by hand and twist it straight or to the oposite side 10 deg.. That normal (odd but normal).

The end links will need to replaced with high miles. But if your under 50K miles and never ran over anything to damage it you should be fine.

Beau388 · 04-09-2022, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stewtburb

Just got under my 2018 Miramar 35.2 to attempt oil change and noticed the grease seal on front end of drag link damaged. After further inspection both the front and rear connections seem rotated about 10 degrees whereas I would expect the surfaces to be square with each other. Nothing seems loose and no issues handling but now concerned as we have a short local trip starting 4/13/22. Attaching two photos for reference. Any responses appreciated.
Thanks,
Steve

Ford does not stock the grease boots, but replaces the entire link. If you have a pickle fork, you can replace them yourself. NAPA caries the proper size grease boots. The link looks OK in the pictures except for the tech is supposed to wipe the excessive grease after applying grease to the zerk.

MJC62 · 04-10-2022, 12:24 AM

Somebody already stated service techs usually over grease and blow the grease out the boots with an air operated grease gun. Clean off the excess grease and see if the boots are still serviceable. It only takes a couple pumps with a hand gun to grease a fitting.

As an FYI a tie rod or "pickle" fork is under $30 on Amazoom if you choose to try and replace damaged boots. We just bought one last fall to replace tie rod ends on my old Ford Ranger.

**16ACE27** · 04-10-2022, 12:31 AM

Over greasing is definitely an issue and maybe a contributing factor, but I'm pretty sure that's a blown out boot:

MJC62 · 04-10-2022, 01:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 16ACE27

Over greasing is definitely an issue and maybe a contributing factor, but I'm pretty sure that's a blown out boot:

Yep now that you blew up the picture I can see the boot is blown out

Pillbox · 04-10-2022, 01:35 AM

Wow, you guys said all the things I was going to say.
The group is so darn smart.
Terry

halfprice · 04-10-2022, 01:52 AM

I had to replace the drag link 2 times on my 29m. Both under warranty

Jerry

stewtburb · 04-10-2022, 01:57 PM

Thanks everyone for your replies. The connections seem fine and will find someone to repair the boots and drag link if necessary. Safe travels!

halfprice · 04-10-2022, 02:15 PM

Do a search on irv2. There are listed parts and step by step instructions on how to replace the boot

Jerry

Sappy2 · 04-10-2022, 02:22 PM

If the steering is not loose, the only thing I see is a blown grease seal from someone filling it too fast with an air grease gun. The boot can be changed but will require breaking the connection. Just use the rig and make sure that it gets a shot of grease (a shot is not a gallon) every so often to protect the joint until you can get it serviced.

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