How Do Tie Rods Work?

Tie rods are cylindrical metal components that connect the steering rack or gearbox to the steering knuckles on each front wheel. 

When you turn the steering wheel, the rack pushes or pulls the tie rods, causing the knuckles to pivot and the wheels to change direction.

How Do I Perform a Tie Rod Replacement?

Tie rods are a vital steering component, and replacing a worn tie rod requires a fair amount of effort and know-how. So, it’s best to leave a tie rod replacement to an auto repair expert.

Here’s how a repair shop mechanic would work on this problem:

1. Park your vehicle on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and place wheel chocks. 
2. Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that needs to be removed.
3. Jack up the vehicle and secure it in place with jack stands. Then, remove the wheel.
4. Spray penetrating oil on the jam nut, threads, and castle nut. The outer tie rod usually connects to one side of the steering knuckle with a castle nut and a cotter pin. They’ll loosen these with a torque wrench or pliers. 

   Note: Some modern cars may use a lock nut instead of a castle nut and cotter pin.

5. Use a tape measure or calipers to measure the distance from the tie rod end to the center of the ball joint. Record this measurement to help maintain the original alignment when installing the new one.
6. Use a special tool like a wedge or hammer to detach the outer tie rod end from the steering knuckle where it connects to the steering arm. Then, unscrew the outer tie rod end.
7. Remove the inner and outer tie rod nut and the dust boot clamps of the inner tie rod end. Also, detach the breather tube from the dust boot.
8. Loosen the jam nut securing the outer tie rod end with the inner tie rod end. 
9. Remove the inner tie rod end from the steering rack using a special tool.
10. Install the new tie rod, ensuring it’s as close as possible to the old tie rod position. Install the lock nut or castle nut and cotter pin, tightening the nut to the manufacturer’s specifications.
11. Reattach the wheels and lug nuts.
12. Check if the wheels are in alignment.

How Much Does a Tie Rod Replacement Cost?

If you’re replacing both inner and outer tie rod ends on one side, the average cost is approximately $250 to $800. This includes:

• Parts: $50 to $400
• Wheel alignment: $50 to $200
• Labor cost: $150 to $200

Replacing all four tie rod ends is more expensive. The average cost can be around $650 to $1,300, including:

• Parts: $300 to $800
• Wheel alignment: $50 to $200
• Labor cost: $300 to $400 

Note: Tie rod parts can be more expensive for luxury cars.

Can I Drive with a Bad Tie Rod?

It’s not recommended to drive with a bad tie rod, as it can seriously affect your car’s handling. 

These are crucial parts of your vehicle’s steering system, connecting the steering rack to the steering knuckle. Tie rod issues can compromise steering wheel control, making it unpredictable or unresponsive at any time.

What Are the Signs of a Bad Tie Rod?

There are some telltale signs of a faulty tie rod, including: 

• Uneven tire wear on the front wheels
• Play (looseness) in the steering wheel
• Clunking sounds from the front wheels while turning
• Steering wheel pulling to one side due to a lack of alignment
• Noticeable vibration through the steering wheel
• Squealing sound when turning

How Do I Test My Vehicle’s Tie Rod?

Being a vital part of your vehicle’s steering system, you always want to ensure your tie rods are in good condition. While you should leave this to the experts at the repair shop, a quick test can help you figure out if a tie rod replacement might be needed:

1. Jack up the vehicle and secure it with jack stands. 
2. Place one hand on top of the tire and the other on the backside of the wheel. 
3. Wobble the wheel by pushing with your upper arm and pulling with the bottom arm. Also, listen for any clunking sounds.
4. If everything is okay, the wheel should be firm. A wobble is a sign that it’s time for a replacement. 
5. Finally, grab the tie rod and see if you can wiggle it. If you feel looseness, this is further evidence that you need a tie rod replacement.

Bear in mind that this could also indicate an issue with another suspension component, such as ball joints or wheel bearings.

How Urgent is a Tie Rod Replacement?

Failing to replace a worn tie rod with a new one can lead to a host of problems down the line, including:

• Increased risk of accidents: A bad tie rod can significantly impact steering performance. This can make it difficult to control the vehicle, especially when taking turns or at higher speeds.

• Increased suspension wear: As a critical suspension component, a faulty tie rod may cause wear and tear on other components, including bushings, a specific ball joint, and control arms.

• Complete steering failure: In the most severe cases, a worn or loose tie rod can break or detach, causing catastrophic failure.

• Expensive maintenance costs: Faulty tie rods can lead to wheel alignment issues. This causes uneven tire wear, reduces tire lifespan, and affects handling and fuel efficiency.