How They Work

A tie rod end is a critical component in a vehicle's steering system, which connects the steering rack or box to the steering knuckle. The tie rod end is essentially a ball-and-socket joint that allows the wheels to turn in response to the steering wheel being turned by the driver. The ball part of the joint is attached to the steering rack or box, while the socket part of the joint is attached to the steering knuckle.

When the driver turns the steering wheel, the steering rack or box sends an input through the tie rod ends to the steering knuckles, which in turn causes the wheels to turn. The tie rod ends also help to transfer the load from the wheels to the steering rack or box.

As the vehicle is driven, the tie rod ends are subject to a lot of stress, and over time, they can wear out. Symptoms of worn tie rod ends include loose steering, uneven tire wear, and a tendency for the vehicle to pull to one side. If these symptoms are present, it is important to have the tie rod ends inspected and replaced if necessary, as worn tie rod ends can compromise the vehicle's handling and safety.

Why They Fail

Tie rods can last for several years. In fact, you may never have to replace your tie rods. The conditions you drive in plays a large role in the lifespan of tie rods.

Tie rod ends can fail due to a number of reasons, including:

Wear and tear: Over time, the constant movement and stress of the tie rod ends can cause them to wear out. This can lead to play in the joint, which can cause the steering to feel loose and imprecise.

Lack of lubrication: If the tie rod ends are not lubricated properly, they can become dry and seize up. This can cause the joint to become stiff, making it difficult to turn the steering wheel.

Impact damage: Tie rod ends can be damaged if they are hit or impacted, such as from a pothole or curb. This can cause the joint to bend or break, which can compromise the vehicle's handling and safety.

Rust: If the tie rod end is exposed to moisture and salt, it can rust. This can cause the joint to become stiff and difficult to move, leading to failure.

Improper alignment: If the vehicle's wheels are not properly aligned, it can put extra stress on the tie rod ends. This can cause them to wear out prematurely or even fail.

It is important to have your vehicle's tie rod ends inspected regularly, especially if you notice any symptoms of wear or damage. If they are found to be worn or damaged, they should be replaced as soon as possible to ensure proper steering function and safety.

Signs That Your Tie Rods Need Replacing

Some signs that a tie rod may be bad include:

Loose or vague steering: If the tie rod is worn or damaged, it can cause the steering to feel loose and imprecise. This can make it difficult to keep the vehicle going in a straight line.

Uneven tire wear: Worn or damaged tie rod ends can cause the wheels to become misaligned, which can result in uneven tire wear.

Vehicle pulls to one side: If the tie rod is worn or damaged on one side, it can cause the vehicle to pull or drift to one side while driving, otherwise know as the front end of the vehicle being out of alignment.

Steering wheel vibration: A bad tie rod can cause vibrations in the steering wheel while driving, particularly at high speeds.

Unusual noises: A bad tie rod can also cause unusual noises such as clicking or popping sounds when turning the steering wheel.

It is important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other issues, such as worn ball joints or worn steering rack bushings. A qualified mechanic can inspect the tie rod and other components of the steering system to determine the root cause of the problem. It is recommended to have regular inspections of your vehicle and have it fixed when it start showing these symptoms.

Tips To Prevent Premature Tie Rod Failure

Here are some tips to help prevent premature tie rod failure:

Regular inspections: Having regular inspections of your vehicle's tie rod ends is important to identify any issues before they become serious. This should be done at least once a year, or more often if you notice any symptoms of wear or damage.

Proper alignment: Keeping your wheels properly aligned can help prevent uneven tire wear and prolong the life of the tie rod ends.

Lubrication: Lubricating the tie rod ends can help reduce wear and prevent seizing. Make sure to use the correct lubricant as per the vehicle's manual.

Avoid impact damage: Try to avoid hitting potholes or curbs, as impact damage can cause the tie rod ends to bend or break.

Avoid rust: Keep the tie rod ends clean and dry to prevent rust from forming. Rust can make the joint stiff and difficult to move, leading to failure.

Avoid overloading: Overloading your vehicle can put extra stress on the tie rod ends. Be sure to follow the vehicle's weight capacity guidelines.

Properly maintain your vehicle: Regularly maintain your vehicle by changing oil, checking tire pressure and brakes, and getting regular services as per the manufacturer's recommendations.

By following these tips, you can help prevent premature tie rod failure and ensure that your vehicle's steering system is working properly. However, even with proper maintenance, tie rod ends will eventually wear out and will need to be replaced.

How We Can Help

StartMyCar, South Africa's Largest Vehicle Parts and Accessories online store, stocks a full range of Teknosa tie rod ends for a variety of makes and models. Whether you need to replace a worn or damaged tie rod end, you can find the right one for your vehicle in our online store. Teknosa is a trusted aftermarket suspension brand so you can be sure you're getting a product that will last. Additionally, we have a team of technical experts who can help you find the right tie rod end for your vehicle. If you have any question or concerns, feel free to speak to one of our experts. If you are in need of replacement tie rod ends, StartMyCar is the best place for you to visit in South Africa for quality, reliability and convenience.

If you have any technical questions related to tie rods and how to replace them, we invite you to reach out to us at: info@startmycar.co.za