Do you need to replace a tie rod?
No, If a tie rod is in good shape, there is no need to replace it. Often, however, tie rods on both sides wear out at the same rate. If one tie rod end is bad and the other is starting to go, it makes sense to replace both, so you won’t have to do the wheel alignment twice.
How do you loosen the outer tie rod?
Follow the outer tie rod end underneath the car until it meets the inner tie rod end. Use a wrench to loosen pinch nut. This nut holds the outer tie rod end in place and prevents it from moving along the spindle of the inner tie rod end. Loosening it will allow you to twist the outer tie rod end.
How can you tell if a tie end rod is bad?
The uneven tread depth is a telltale sign of this type of problem. When the tire wear is bad on both the inside and the outside, it might be caused by a bad tie end rod – but a bad wheel alignment can also cause it. The tie end rod often has a plastic bushing filled with grease inside of it.
What’s the best way to alignment a tie rod?
Tie Rod Tire Alignment tool. Here’s a quick and easy tool to use for aligning your front end after a tie rod end replacement. This tool helps to get your alignment back to the original position within 1/8 to 1/16th of an inch.
When to replace a bad tie rod end?
However, it’s advised that you replace the tie rod end completely as metal fatigue can also cause the part to fail. If you have the tie rod ends replaced, it’s critical that you remind the mechanic to complete a front end alignment, which will set your wheels to point straight.
Follow the outer tie rod end underneath the car until it meets the inner tie rod end. Use a wrench to loosen pinch nut. This nut holds the outer tie rod end in place and prevents it from moving along the spindle of the inner tie rod end. Loosening it will allow you to twist the outer tie rod end.
What do you need to know about tie rods?
While failing tie rods can be a serious issue, there are some easy solutions to the troubles you may have with them. Here’s a complete look at everything you need to know about tie rod ends. Tie rod ends are simple parts that connect the steering rack to the steering knuckle on each front wheel.
How does a tie rod end work on a steering rack?
Tie rod ends are simple parts that connect the steering rack to the steering knuckle on each front wheel. An adjusting sleeve sits between the inner and outer tire rod ends. When you turn the steering wheel, it transmits that movement through various steering components until the tie rod ends push or pull the wheel and make the wheels turn.