Why Do Tie Rods Need Repair?

Tie rods are one of the components of the steering system that is found in every vehicle. They are used as links between the steering wheel and the wheels so that the driver can determine the car’s direction. Tie rods are used throughout the vehicle and can wear out or become rusty after some time; hence, they need to be repaired or replaced. Here is information on what tie rods are and some possible reasons for needing to service them.

What are Tie Rods?

Tie rods are thin metal rods employed in the vehicle’s steering linkage assembly. They assist in translating the motion of the steering wheel into the required movement, where the wheels turn left or right when the steering wheel is turned.

Tie rods generally vary in number depending on the type of car. Still, there is typically an inner and outer tie rod on each side of the vehicle that joins the steering gear assembly to the wheel hub assemblies. The inner tie rods thread into the center steering gear, while the outer tie rods connect to the outer steering knuckles.

Inaccurate measurements of your vehicle’s steering angle:

It is possible to diagnose tie rods by comparing the steering angle measurements taken before and after a specific distance has been travelled or by comparing the readings from the left and suitable tie rods.

There are some common signs that your tie rods may be worn out or damaged and in need of repair:

Steering Wheel Vibration

– If you have a sensation like the wheel is shaking or vibrating, especially when making turns. You probably need to fix your tie rods.

Wandering Steering

– If your car tends to pull, wander, or drift off to the side, this may indicate a problem with the tie rod ends. This makes steering control complicated since the steering wheel is positioned on the outside.

Odd Noises When Turning

– If the wheel is clunking, clicking, or popping when turning at the front, this is a clear sign that the tie rods have been compromised.

Visible Damage

– Check the tie rods for roughness or signs of wear. If they appear to be bowed, cracked, rusty, or you can see any other signs of wear or damage, they will probably have to be replaced.

Wheel Alignment Issues

– If, for instance, you find yourself making frequent trips to the mechanic to fix issues with wheel alignment, it is possible that the cause of the problem is failing tie rods.

There are a few reasons why tie rods deteriorate over time, including:

Age and Mileage

– As with any other car part, tie rods are susceptible to wearing out as they grow older and with the increasing number of miles that have been run on a car. Seals and ball joints wear out over a period of 5 to 10 years.

Road Conditions

– Tie rods are susceptible to damage through impact with potholes, curbs, speed bumps, and debris on the road. Winter road salt also shortens car and tire life span.

Incorrect Wheel Alignment

– Misalignment affects other parts such as tie rods and results in faster wearing of these parts, which are not cheap either.

Leaking Grease

– Tie rods have grease that is packed at the joints. Sometimes the seals have some degree of leakage and when they do; they get greasy and wear out quickly.

Tie rods are essential in working the car steering system, and it is, therefore, essential that they be repaired when damaged.

The consequences of not repairing tie rods are as follows:

The tie rods should be replaced as soon as they are damaged because they are a critical component of the vehicle’s suspension. Driving with broken tie rods can reduce steering control and lead to catastrophic failures, including:

Complete Loss of Control

– If both tie rods are broken completely, you will have zero control over the steering wheel. This usually results into off track or a terrible accident scene and that is why the statement makes so much sense.

Damage to Other Parts

– The lousy tie rod ends are one of the worst things that could happen to the car steering as it places a lot of stress on other suspension parts such as ball joints, wheel bearings, and control arms.

Inability to Align Wheels

– Inclinations of the tie rods and their wear and tear also interfere with the alignment of the wheels. This results in unbalanced tire wear, fuel consumption, and, more so, constant issues with the car’s steering or handling.

It may be true that even if one tie rod is terrible, it will not render the vehicle un-driveable; however, it is good practice to replace the second tie rod on that side of the car at the same time.

The Repair Process

Replacing worn tie rods involves a few key steps:

Diagnosis– First, a mechanic will feel and check for excessive or abnormal movement of the tie rod’s joint or the presence of leaks or rust and for more effective steering.
Removal– This is done by unscrewing the outer tie rod from the steering knuckle. The inner tie rod is unlocked from the center link.
Installation– It is fixed onto the outer side where the new stable inner and outer tie rods are screwed on the opposite side as well.
Balancing– Last but not least, an auto wheel alignment assists in positioning the steering wheel and, at the same time, guarantees uniform wearing of tires.

Tie rod replacement will cost anywhere from $150-$400 in parts and labour and will also depend on the make and model of the vehicle, location, and whether it is the end links or the entire assemblies that require replacement.

Replacing those damaged tie rods is essential to avoid road accidents. Always look where you are driving, and do not ignore any signs of wear, which might require tie rod work. If there is a problem with the power steering system and you feel that the responsiveness or control in the wheel has changed, then you should schedule the service immediately. In case you are constant with the maintenance, then your tie rods could run for many miles before you have to consider replacement.