As a part of your vehicle’s steering system, tie rods are essential because they are responsible for connecting the steering rack with the steering knuckle.
The steering system would not perform without the help of the tie rod. In other words, it helps to rotate the wheels for steering.
Every time you turn your vehicle, the tie rod performs, and that makes it prone to damage and wear.
Driving threats like accidents and potholes can damage the tie rod not forgetting that regular use can lead to its failure.
Some of the most common problems leading to tie rod damage include severe tire wear and reduced vehicle control. Mild symptoms, however, are easier to notice.
Read on to learn the symptoms of a failing tie rod end.
What Are Tie Rod Ends?
The tie rods of your car link the steering gear with the steering knuckle on each of the front wheels.
Its proper functioning is indispensable for adequate steering clearance of the vehicle including rack and pinion steering systems and recirculating ball types.
How Do Tie Rods Work?
Tie rods form part of the steering linkage, including the inner tie rod that is situated beneath the rubber boot and the outer tie rod. Tie rods link the steering gear to the steering knuckle.
The condition of tie rods, called pose, impacts the alignment, wear on tires, and general handling of the vehicle. This is the reason why they need to be visually checked at least a few times a year along with every rotation of the tires. Early detection of issues can be helpful to minimize damages.
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
Because tie rods are used every time a vehicle is driven, they are likely to suffer damages or wearing down. Wearing down naturally occurs over time, but factors such as poor roads, potholes, and accidents can potentially damage the tie rod.
If you encounter any of the following symptoms, speak with a technician for further diagnosis.
#1. Inability To Steer.
Inability to steer a vehicle is one of the tell-tale symptoms that point out an issue with the rod end. The bright side is that in the majority of cases, there are other symptoms that will come before this major one occurs.
It can be avoided so long as you heed the warnings your Subaru is providing and avoid neglecting essential servicing. However, if your Subaru has been indicating any of the aforementioned signs and you choose to disregard them, you may be in serious trouble.
#2. A Squealing Sound When You Turn.
Hearing the noise ‘squeal’ in relation to the functioning of your car is not a pleasant encounter. And indeed, the loud, high-pitched sound that resembles a scream when you turn your car may indicate that the tie rod ends are worn out and need replacement.
There are also other probable sources for this issue such as poorly maintained ball joints accompanied with low steering fluid. Given that all these pose significant perils to both you and your car, it is imperative to seek immediate professional assistance to silence the squeal.
#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 car, but two particular things 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.
Poor tracking of a vehicle may be caused by other factors, and a bad tie rod end isn’t the only culprit. More often than not, right-of-center misalignment is caused by hitting curbs or bumping into potholes. Despite that, loose and worn tie rod ends do also result in front-end misalignment.
This serves as a reminder that getting an alignment check at least once a year is very helpful.
#5. Uneven, Excessive Tire Wear.
This can often be noticed in a self-conducted examination. The only step required is looking at the wheels and comparing the inside and outside edges of the tires.
Tire rod issues will be the reason some of the edges are excessively worn out whereas the rest shows little wear. However, this is not the only solution. Other parts of the suspension might take over.
#6. Knocking or Clunking Sound.
Have you noted that the noises your vehicle is making are new? A Knocking or clanking sound from the front of the vehicle when turning at low speeds could serve as a sign of bad tie rods. This occurs because the tie rods are getting loose; the rattling sounds you are hearing are due to the tie rods moving around the joints and links.
Moreover, if the boot which holds the tie rod joint is damaged, dirt and other materials can enter and produce grinding noise while you steer the vehicle. If the front portion of your vehicle is producing new sounds, consulting a good technician is important.
Tie Rod End Replacement Cost
The cost of replacing a tie rod depends on the type of vehicle, the parts’ scarcity, and the quality.
However, the cost is estimated to be between $100 and $400. Expect to pay a premium, however, for luxury and midrange vehicles.
Always tie rod ends as a set. This is due to the fact that tie rods located on both sides of the front wheels undergo similar road impacts. Therefore, any noticeable damage on one side will most likely have a counterpart on the other side.
If you do not replace all tie rod ends in a set, there will be a possibility of having alignment issues, which will force you to pay for multiple alignment adjustments.
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.