A critical component of your vehicle’s steering system, tie rods connect the steering rack to the steering knuckle.
Tie rods not only help move your wheels when you steer but they make turning your vehicle possible. Simply put, without tie rods, steering your vehicle would be impossible.
Because tie rods are used every time you steer your vehicle, they are susceptible to damage and wear.
Normal wear and tear can cause a tie rod to fail; driving hazards like potholes and accidents can also cause damage to a tie rod.
If a tie rod becomes damaged and fails, the effects can range from mild (premature tire wear) to extreme (loss of vehicle control). Read on to learn the symptoms of a failing tie rod end.
What Are Tie Rod Ends?
Your car’s tie rods at each front wheel link the steering gear with the steering knuckle. All steering systems rely on the tie rod end for proper steering function. That includes rack and pinion steering systems as well as recirculating ball types.
How Do Tie Rods Work?
Tie rods, including the inner tie rod under the rubber boot as well as the outer tie rod, are a critical component of your steering system. They connect the steering gear to the steering knuckle.
Their health is directly tied to your vehicle’s alignment, tire wear, and overall handling. That’s why it’s so important to get yours visually inspected with every tire rotation or at least a couple of times a year. This can help catch issues early before other damage occurs.
Bad Tie Rod End Symptoms
Since tie rods are used every time you steer your vehicle, they are susceptible to damage and wear. Normal wear and tear can cause a tie rod to break down but driving hazards like poor road conditions, potholes and accidents can also cause tie rod damage or failure.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, it is imperative that you make an appointment with your technician for proper diagnosis.
#1. Inability To Steer.
If a tie rod end fails completely, you’ll lose the ability to steer your car. The good news is that this is unlikely to happen without any of the previous symptoms.
As long as you listen to what your Subaru is telling you and don’t put off service, this is something that can be avoided. But if your Subaru is giving you any of the above signs and you ignore them, you could be in for trouble.
#2. A Squealing Sound When You Turn.
Squealing is never a good thing to hear from your car. If you hear a loud, high-pitched squeal that sounds like a shriek whenever you turn your car, it may be a sign that the tie rod ends are worn and need to be replaced.
There are other potential causes, including ball joints with bad lubrication or a low level of power steering fluid. Since all of these can be dangerous to you and your vehicle, you should have a squeal looked at immediately.
#3. A Steering Wheel that Feels Unusual.
A steering wheel in your vehicle that feels different than you’ve become used to is always cause to schedule a service appointment for your Subaru, but there are two particular things that may point to failing tie rod ends.
If the wheel shakes or vibrates, and this vibration gets worse when you turn corners, it could be due to a loose tie rod end. A steering wheel that feels like it has a lot of play in it can also be a symptom of a loose tie rod end.
#4. Misaligned Front End.
A bad tie rod end isn’t the only thing that can cause your vehicle to track poorly. In fact, it’s much more common to see misalignment from bumping into a curb or going over a pothole. However, loose or worn tie rod ends can cause front-end misalignment.
This is one of the reasons it’s important to bring your vehicle in for an alignment check about once per year or so.
#5. Uneven, Excessive Tire Wear.
This one can often be checked on your own with a visual inspection. Compare the inside and outside edges of the tires.
If they show excessive wear on one side but little wear on the other, it could be due to tie rod troubles. However, this isn’t the only cause; it could be a problem with other parts of the suspension.
#6. Knocking or Clunking Sound.
Notice that your vehicle is making new noises? A knocking or clunking sound from the front of the vehicle when turning at low speeds can be a symptom of bad tie rods. As they become loose, tie rods can rattle around at the joints and links, causing the new noises you’re hearing.
In addition, if the boot protecting the tie rod joint becomes damaged, dirt and debris can get in and make a grinding sound as you steer. If you’re hearing new sounds from the front of your vehicle, it’s time to check in with a qualified technician.
Tie Rod End Replacement Cost
The cost of replacing a tie rod depends on the type of vehicle, the parts’ scarcity, and the quality. The average cost ranges from $100 to $400. However, expect to pay more for luxury and high-end vehicles.
It would be best if you always replaced tie rods in pairs. That’s because the tie rods on both sides of the front wheels are subject to the same road conditions. Hence significant wear on one side indicates a similar amount of wear on the other.
Not replacing them in pairs can result in alignment problems, and you will have to shoulder the cost of multiple alignment services.
How To Inspect Your Vehicle’s Tie Rod
Typically it is best to have a professional mechanic attend to your vehicle if you suspect the tie rods could be in trouble. However, you can perform the check by following a few simple steps. Here is how to check the condition of your vehicle’s tie rods.
- Raise the vehicle with a jack and support it with Jack stands.
- Grab any of the front wheels, with one of your hands at the top and the other at the bottom, and ensure that your bottom arm reaches the backside of the wheel while your upper arm holds the front top portion.
- Try to make the wheel wobble by simultaneously pushing it with your upper arm and pulling it with the bottom arm.
- The wheel should be firm under normal circumstances. Any wobbling or shaking indicates a worn-out tie rod.
- Additionally, grab the tie rod and move it back and forth to check whether it’s loose. Too much movement indicates a faulty tie rod.
- Once convinced of a bad tie rod, arrange for a qualified mechanic to undertake the replacement.
You are encouraged to avoid driving a vehicle with a worn-out tie rod since the components that make up the steering system, including the tie rods, are safety sensitive and must be in good condition all the time.
Not attending to a bad thyroid promptly compromises your safety as well as the safety of other road users.