The tie rod end is an integral part of the steering system that promotes the smooth handling of your vehicle.
It is a pivot joint that connects the steering and suspension parts and also transfers force that enables the wheel to turn.
However, once the tie rod ends are bad, controlling your vehicle’s movement using the steering wheel becomes difficult and nearly impossible. It is also a high-risk mechanical problem as the driver may lose vehicle control when driving.
This article examines the signs and consequences of a bad tie rod end in a vehicle. We will also discuss the cost breakdown of replacing bad tie rod ends.
What are tie rod ends?
Tie rod ends are critical components of a vehicle’s steering system. They connect the steering rack (or center link) to the steering knuckle on each front wheel, allowing the wheels to turn when you move the steering wheel.
Each tie rod assembly typically has two tie rod ends (inner and outer) that help transfer steering force from the steering rack to the wheels. Here’s a closer look at each part:
- Inner Tie Rod: This is attached to the steering rack and moves in response to steering directions. It transfers movement to the outer tie rod.
- Outer Tie Rod: Connected to the inner tie rod, the outer tie rod directly attaches to the steering knuckle (part of the wheel assembly), translating the movement from the steering wheel to a vehicle’s wheels on the road.
What are Inner and Outer Tie Rod Ends?
Regardless of whether the steering gear is a gearbox or a rack and pinion, there are typically both inner and outer tie rod ends.
On vehicles with steering gearboxes, both tie rod ends will essentially look the same, but one of the two will always have left-hand thread where it screws onto the tie rod, because that’s how steering toe adjustments are made.
You turn the tie rod and that changes the distance between the inner and outer tie rod ends, thus changing the toe adjustment. This is the most common alignment adjustment on all vehicles and is almost always done the exactly the same way.
Inner Tie Rod Ends
On steering gears, the inner tie rod end is hidden by the accordion boot on steering rack housing that keeps dirt out of the rack, the inner joint always threads onto or into the end of the steering rack, depending on the design. This inner ball joint also has a ball and socket joint.
Both types of tie rod ends are fairly robust, but both kinds will eventually develop wear, and when they do, they will eventually develop enough play to become a safety hazard if there is too much play.
In extreme circumstances, the ball can come out of the socket and cause the vehicle to crash. This is more than hypothetical – it actually happens sometimes – more than you think.
Outer Tie Rod Ends
The tie rod ends that are not hidden by the accordion boot on the rack (these would be the outer tie rod ends) have a rubber boot that prevents dirt, road salt, and water from entering the ball and socket area.
Some tie rod ends have grease fittings – most of the time the ones installed at the factory don’t have grease fittings, but replacement tie rod ends usually do.
When the tie rod end boot bursts, joint wear inevitably accelerates – dirt mixes with the grease and forms a grinding compound of sorts that wears the joint out fairly quickly.
If the joint gets dry, it may squeak, but that’s more common with the ball joint(s) on which the knuckle rotates as it changes the steering angle.
Where Are The Tie Rods Located?
The tie rods are found on the front of your vehicle, connected to the steering knuckle on one end. The other end of the tie rod connects with the steering system.
It doesn’t matter if your car uses a rack and pinion steering system or a steering gearbox, both contain inner and outer tie rods.
As you turn the steering wheel, the steering shaft connecting the wheel to the assembly also turns in relation to the movement.
This shaft is connected to the steering gear, which attaches to the tie rods. Depending on whether you turn left or right, the steering system pushes the tie rods and steering arms in the appropriate direction.
How do tie rod ends work?
Tie rod ends are what links your vehicle’s steering system to the wheels, so every turn of the steering wheel is precisely executed by your vehicle.
When you turn the wheel, the steering rack or box pushes or pulls on the inner tie rods, which transfer motion to the outer tie rods and, ultimately, the wheels.
Flexible ball joints in some tie rod ends help give you smooth steering over bumps and dips in the road while maintaining wheel alignment.
Working in sync with your vehicle steering system, tie rod ends are essential for precise control and stable handling every time you drive.
Common Symptoms of Bad Tie Rod End
When a tie rod goes bad, you’ll notice uneven tire wear and a lack of steering responsiveness.
It can also lead to bad wheel alignment, which can cause the vehicle to pull to one side. Bad tie roads create vibration and you may hear strange noises, especially while steering.
Let’s examine these possible symptoms in depth.
#1. Uneven Tire Wear.
When the tie rods are in good shape, the tread on the tire should wear evenly, considering that the alignment is also correct. If you notice uneven tie wear, the problem could be a defective tie rod.
Usually, the wear will be heavy on one side and not the other. This type of wear is caused by the toe being out of alignment, which we discuss more in a few minutes.
However, tire wear can be caused by multiple steering or suspension issues, so a complete diagnosis is needed.
#2. Steering Responsiveness.
When the steering wheel feels unresponsive, it’s called having excessive play. What this condition refers to is having a dead zone while turning the wheel, meaning you have to turn it further before the wheels move.
The more play a wheel has, the more likely you are to lose control while driving. A tie rod can lead to this play in the wheel, but so can several other issues, especially with the suspension and steering. Perform a visual inspection or have a trusted mechanic take a look at it to be sure.
#3. Bad Wheel Alignment.
Wheel alignment refers to how the wheels are angled and their relation to the road. Most experts agree that alignment should be performed every couple of years unless it’s needed sooner.
When a tie rod wears, it becomes loose and the front end can become misaligned. Along with replacing the tie rod, you would also want to perform the alignment to ensure the tires wear evenly.
#4. Car Pulls To One Side.
When the wheel alignment is off, the car may start to pull in one direction or the other. This isn’t always the case, depending on if both tie rods are bad or just one.
This symptom also plays in with some of the others. For example, as the car pulls to one side because of the bad alignment, you’ll also start to see unusual wear on the tires. Additionally, you may feel shaking, which is our next symptom.
#5. Vibrations.
The tie rods link the front wheels to the steering wheel. Therefore, if there’s a problem with the tie rod, you’ll notice shaking or vibrations with the steering wheel.
It may become worse as you turn or step on the gas. Once you notice steering problems, it’s time to have the car fixed before you lose control.
Again, the vibration alone can’t determine if the tie rods are bad. Instead, you need to evaluate this symptom in conjunction with the others that are happening.
#6. Abnormal Noises When Steering.
In addition to the other problems stated, you may hear strange noises while the wheel is vibrating. Usually, a bad tie rod creates clunking or knocking sounds.
These sounds come from the ratting of the links and joints from the loose tie rod. If the boot that protects the tie rod joint also gets damaged or contaminated with debris, you may hear a grinding noise while steering.
What Causes Tie Rod Ends?
Like many vehicle parts, tie rod ends wear gradually due to normal use. But certain factors accelerate the process:
- High mileage – Older vehicles are more prone to wear.
- Driving on rough or unpaved roads – Increases strain on suspension components.
- Hitting curbs or potholes – Sudden impacts can bend or break tie rods.
- Lack of lubrication – Some tie rods are sealed, but older or aftermarket types may need periodic greasing.
How to Diagnose a Bad Tie Rod
Step 1: Get Prepared
Park the vehicle on a flat surface with the parking brake engaged. For added peace of mind and safety, chock the rear wheels. You may want to slightly loosen the lug nuts on the wheel before lifting it.
Step 2: Lift the Vehicle and Remove the Wheel
Use a jack to lift the front wheel off the ground and secure it on a jack stand. Using a lug nut wrench, remove the lug nuts. This may not be necessary if you have access to the tie rod without pulling the wheel off, but extra room never hurts.
Step 3: Perform a Visual Inspection
Look for leaking grease, cracks or tears in the rubber boot, or obvious signs of corrosion on the tie rod end. If it’s after an impact, look for a bend or strange angle.
Step 4: Check for Play or Movement
With a helper in the front seat gently turning the steering wheel side to side just enough to make the wheels move slightly, look and feel what’s happening at the outer and inner tie rods.
There should be no play, and any steering movement should have immediate movement at the wheel. Using a pry bar, gently pry against the tie rod end from different angles. A worn-out tie rod will have movement.
With the wheels on, you can grasp the outer edges of the wheel at the 9 and 3 o’clock positions and wiggle side to side.
If you hear a clunk or feel slight movement with before resistance, it’s likely the tie rod end is loose. Determine if it’s the inner or outer that’s moving.
What will happen if you don’t change the bad tie rod in time?
Driving with a bad tie rod exposes your vehicle to complete tie rod failure. It means your wheel will completely break free from the steering assembly, causing disastrous accidents. You could immediately lose control of your vehicle.
The tie rod is vital in connecting the steering to the wheels, allowing full control of vehicle movements. Unfortunately, the tie rod end is prone to wear and has a limited usage time.
Once worn out, it becomes loose in the socket, creating extreme movement. It also gives out a lot of signs mentioned previously. If ignored, the tie rod will eventually break.
Furthermore, once the tie rod breaks or disconnects from the wheels, you can no longer control them when driving. The wheels will no longer respond to steering commands.
If you wonder, “How long can you drive with bad tie rods,” you should not drive more than 10 to 20 miles. Avoid driving with a bad tie rod, and ensure the problem is fixed immediately.
When Should Tie Rods Be Replaced?
Most tie rods need replacement every 60,000-100,000 miles. But it depends on driving conditions:
- Severe duty – Tie rods usually need attention around 60,000 miles or less. This includes frequent off-road use, hauling heavy loads, commercial service, etc. The added strain speeds up wear.
- Normal duty – For everyday street driving, plan for replacement around 80,000-100,000 miles.
- Ideal conditions – If the roads are perfectly smooth and alignment is maintained, tie rods may last up to 120,000 miles. But its risky to exceed 100,000 when any symptoms appear.
Don’t ignore the signs of worn tie rods regardless of mileage. And always replace the inner and outer tie rods as a set on both sides. Mixing old and new is asking for unpredictable wear and alignment problems.
Now let’s summarize the key pros and cons of getting your deteriorated tie rods replaced.
Tie Rod vs. Tie Rod End
Many people relate the tie rods and tie rod ends as the same parts, but they are different. These two terms cannot be used interchangeably.
The tie rod end is the part of the assembly that includes the ball joint attached to the steering knuckle. It threads to the inner tie rod at the other end.
The other side of the assembly is the inner tie rod. This part has male threads on the outward end where the outer tie rod gets attached. At the other end, the inner tie rod threads into the steering rack.
How To Inspect Your Vehicle’s Tie Rod
If you suspect that the tie rods might be problematic, it is advisable to visit an auto technician. Steps can easily be taken by anyone to do the checks. Below is the process of checking the tie rods of your car.
- Raise the vehicle with a jack and support it with Jack stands.
- Grab any of the front wheels holding one hand at the top and the other at the bottom so that your bottom hand is behind the wheel and your top hand is in front of the top part of the wheel.
- Wobbling the wheel by pushing it with your upper arm and pulling it with your bottom arm is what we try to do.
- The wheel should be stable and inline during routine use and any shaking indicates a damaged tie rod.
- In addition, to determine slackness, a tie can be moved in a sideways motion. Too much movement suggests a bad tie rod.
- If sure of the faulty tie rod, book an appointment with a known, reputable auto shop for the replacement.
As it stands, do not operate a vehicle with a defective tie rod because it will affect all the parts of the steering system. These parts, including the tie rods, have an important safety role and should always be in proper condition.
Failing to replace a worn tie rod in a timely manner places your safety, as well as the safety of other road users, at risk.
How much does it cost to replace the tie rod end?
New tie rod parts would cost from $40 to $150, excluding the cost of labor. Hiring a professional to help with the replacement may cost you between $100 and $200, depending on the professional you hire.
Depending on certain factors, a tie replacement cost could run from $150 to $350. If you have good mechanical knowledge and you will have the repair done yourself, it will cost a lot less.
FAQs.
Q: What happens if a tie rod fails while driving?
If it completely separates while you’re driving, the wheel will no longer be attached to the steering. You’re in danger of losing control of your car, and it’s a very serious situation.
Q: Can bad tie rods cause death wobble?
Yes, excessively loose or binding tie rods can be a cause of the death wobble in SUVs and trucks. Check the tie rods right away and replace them if necessary.
Q: Are tie rods easy to replace?
A tie rod end isn’t difficult to replace for most DIYers, however, you’ll almost always need a wheel alignment after the replacement is done.
Q: What is the life expectancy of a tie rod?
It varies depending on the driving conditions and vehicle, but around 30,000 to 50,000 miles is a common timeframe to replace one.
Q: Do you need an alignment after replacing tie rods?
Yes, you do. Changing the tie rod can affect the toe angle, causing excessive tire wear and handling issues if an alignment isn’t performed.
Conclusion
We understand that having a bad tie rod comes with some obvious signs. Once you notice these signs in your vehicle, please do not ignore them.
The tie rod end is essential in the car; once it cannot perform that role, your vehicle is useless until fixed. Also, having a failed tie rod end while driving could be dangerous.