6 Symptoms of a Bad Tie Rod End
Tie rods are essential for the precise steering of any vehicle. A functional tie rod connects the suspension and steering system to the front wheels on the ground through multiple joints, allowing the wheels to turn precisely as the steering wheel turns. Such a system allows the driver to turn the vehicle with minimal effort.
But like anything in a vehicle, tie rod ends deteriorate over time. And regularly driving over bumpy or uneven roads can cause quicker wear and tear. Learn how disastrous tie rod end symptoms come about and how much it can cost to replace them.
What are tie rod ends?
Tie rods consist of an inner tie rod and an outer tie rod, which connect the front wheels to the steering wheel. Both have greased ball joints on the ends that allow rotational force to be transmitted through the system.
The outer tie rod end is protected by a rubber boot to prevent grease and dirt from getting in, but this rubber can crack over time, allowing moisture to get into the joint and cause corrosion. Symptoms of a Bad Tie Rod EndYou’re probably wondering how to tell if your tie rod end is bad, right? Well, there are some very noticeable symptoms to look out for. Here are some common symptoms of a bad tie rod end:
1) Vibrating or Shaking Steering Wheel
Tie rods hold your suspension components together tightly. If a tie rod end fails and comes loose, the suspension components will also come loose, causing your steering wheel to vibrate or wobble while driving. This steering wheel vibration gets worse when accelerating and cornering.
2) Poor Front Axle Alignment
Tie rods align the front axle of your vehicle, but if the ends of the tie rods become damaged or worn, it can cause the parts to come loose. This can cause the front axle to move out of alignment and prevent the truck from driving properly.
You’ll notice this misalignment while driving because the vehicle will start to drift from side to side when pointed forward. This is easily noticeable if you straighten your steering wheel while driving and then take your hands off it for a second. A properly adjusted vehicle should maintain a straight trajectory.
3) Steering wheel feels loose
If the tie rod end breaks, the steering wheel may become loose or have a lot of play. This is a dangerous condition as it can result in a complete loss of steering. If you notice any loose steering, take your car to an auto repair shop immediately.
4) Abnormal noises
If you experience any squealing or grinding noises while driving, this could indicate unwanted metal-to-metal contact. If you experience a high-pitched squealing noise while driving, especially while cornering, the rubber boots on the tie rod ends may be damaged, which can lead to a loss of lubrication.
You may also hear a rattling or clunking noise coming from the front of the car. An abnormal noise does not automatically indicate a bad tie rod end, so you should check for other symptoms on this side.
5) Abnormal tire wear
Tire wear is a normal phenomenon and should be even on both sides. Uneven wear on one or more tires may indicate a problem. When a tie rod breaks, the inside or outside edge of the tire will wear out faster than the rest of the tire.
You can detect abnormal tire wear by standing in front of the vehicle and looking at the inside and outside edges of the front tires.
6) Vehicle Vibrates
When tires start to wear unevenly, the entire vehicle may start to vibrate. These vibrations increase when accelerating, making driving more difficult. However, you may not be concerned about your comfort. Have your vehicle repaired immediately.