Delphi TA5208 Steering Tie Rod End - Inner

Delphi TA5208 Inner Tie Rod End

Delphi TA5208 is a steering tie rod end built as a standard replacement for the inner steering linkage. It is engineered with OE-focused dimensional and material analysis to support proper fit on select Ford and Mercury applications, including Escort, Tempo, Topaz, Lynx, and LN7 models.

• Inner steering tie rod end for steering and gear-related components
• Straight design with male/male end configuration
• High strength steel housing with steel tie rod construction
• Coated black finish for added surface protection
• Standard replacement grade for OE-style service
• Mounting hardware included
• Not adjustable, not greaseable, and no dust boot included

Fitment Details

Compatible With select 1981-1986 Ford and Mercury vehicles. Fits 1981-1985 Ford Escort, inner, with externally threaded rack. Fits 1984-1986 Mercury Topaz, inner, with externally threaded rack. Fits 1985 Ford Tempo, inner, with externally threaded rack. Fits 1984 Ford Tempo, inner. Fits 1981-1984 Mercury Lynx, inner. Fits 1985 Mercury Lynx, inner, with externally threaded rack. Fits 1982-1983 Mercury LN7, inner.

Key Features

• Part number: TA5208
• Position: inner
• Length: 308.0 mm overall
• Length stud center to end: 264.0 mm
• Tube diameter: 14.5 mm
• End 1 thread diameter: 12.0 mm
• End 1 and end 2 thread direction: clockwise
• End 2 thread pitch: 0.84
• Bearing material: plastic

Detailed Description

Delphi TA5208 is an inner steering tie rod end designed for direct replacement service on select Ford Escort, Ford Tempo, Mercury Topaz, Mercury Lynx, and Mercury LN7 vehicles. Delphi applies OE-level engineering practices to its aftermarket steering portfolio, using dimensional and material analysis to help maintain proper compatibility between the replacement part and the original steering geometry. The part is built with a high strength steel housing, steel tie rod material, and a coated finish for durable service in demanding steering applications. Delphi also validates steering components through extreme temperature exposure and extended salt spray testing to support consistent performance in harsh environments. This part cross-references DNJ EV120 and Ford E2FZ-3280A for the same application.

What This Part Helps Address

• Excessive steering play from a worn inner tie rod end
• Clunking or looseness in the steering linkage
• Uneven tire wear caused by steering geometry wear
• Imprecise steering response during lane changes or turns
• Inspection failure related to steering component wear

Installation Notes and Tips

Verify rack style and thread specifications before installation, especially on applications noted with an externally threaded rack. Confirm inner position, thread direction, and overall length against the removed part before service. Because this tie rod end is not adjustable and does not include a dust boot or grease fitting, inspect the surrounding steering components, rack boots, and alignment settings during replacement. A professional wheel alignment should be performed after installation.

Quality Assurance

Delphi uses OE-based engineering and validation methods for its steering components, including dimensional checks, material analysis, temperature cycling, and salt spray exposure testing. TA5208 is a standard replacement part built to support OE-style fit and service on the listed Ford and Mercury applications.