{"product_id":"dorman-542-980-steering-tie-rod-end-front-outer","title":"Dorman 542-980 Steering Tie Rod End - Front Outer","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDorman 542-980 Steering Tie Rod End\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDorman 542-980 is a direct replacement steering tie rod end for specific Ford and Mercury applications. It is built for smooth, safe steering response and is evaluated to meet the demands of everyday road use.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDirect replacement tie rod end for OE-style fitment\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFits the front outer steering position on select vehicles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePowder-coated black finish for added surface protection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSteel housing for strength and durability\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFemale-to-male end configuration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMounting hardware included\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo grease fitting included\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eApplication Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis steering tie rod end is engineered for 1989-1997 Ford Thunderbird, front outer; 1989-1997 Mercury Cougar, front outer; and 1990-1995 Ford Cougar, front outer. If you are replacing a worn front outer tie rod end on a Ford Thunderbird, Mercury Cougar, or Ford Cougar, Dorman 542-980 provides a direct-fit service part for the steering linkage.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis part cross-references MOOG Chassis Products ES3004RL for the same application.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat It Helps Fix\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLoose or vague steering feel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFront-end play caused by worn tie rod joints\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUneven tire wear linked to steering linkage wear\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClunking or knocking from the front outer steering area\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSteering response issues after tie rod end wear\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eInstallation Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eVerify vehicle year, make, model, and front outer position before installation. After replacing a tie rod end, a professional wheel alignment is recommended to restore proper steering geometry and tire wear characteristics. Confirm the steering linkage is inspected for related wear before final assembly.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eQuality Assurance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDorman evaluates this replacement tie rod end through an industry-leading validation process to help ensure smooth, safe operation. Part number 542-980 is built as a direct OE-style replacement for the listed Ford and Mercury applications.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dorman","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52768393789621,"sku":"BKKY-542-980","price":24.36,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0628\/1442\/1173\/files\/RB_542980_Fro.jpg?v=1783317813","url":"https:\/\/www.partcatalog.com\/products\/dorman-542-980-steering-tie-rod-end-front-outer","provider":"PartCatalog","version":"1.0","type":"link"}