What makes up the end of a tie rod?
A tie rod is made of two components: the inner and outer tie rod ends. Both tie rod ends have ball joints. The inner tie rod end is greased and protected by the steering rack boot. The outer tie rod end is also filled with grease, but it’s protected by a small rubber or plastic boot.
Do you replace tie rods on both sides?
Should tie rod ends be replaced on both sides at the same time? 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.
What happens if you loose a tie rod?
A loose tie rod is a major safety concern as it can separate. If a tie rod end separates, the vehicle will lose steering control. If you have seen a disabled vehicle on the side of the road with the front wheels pointing in different directions, it’s probably one of the tie rod ends has separated.
How does a tie rod work on a steering wheel?
When a driver turns the steering wheel, the steering rack slides and the tie rods turn the steering knuckles in the desired direction. A tie rod is made of two components: the inner and outer tie rod ends. Both tie rod ends have ball joints. The inner tie rod end is greased and protected by the steering rack boot.
How are ball joints and tie rod ends connected?
Effectively, the steering system is a separate system from the suspension system, but the two systems work hand in hand in to steer your vehicle down the road. Ball joints and tie rod ends are not connected to each other but are both connected to a mechanism called a spindle.
How much does it cost to replace a tie rod?
Tie rods are not very expensive to replace. The outer tie rod replacement costs $20-$95 part plus $50-$110 labor. Replacing the inner tie rod end costs a little more: $25-$102 part plus $60-$150 labor. In many cars, a special tool is required to replace inner tie rod ends. Does the vehicle need the wheel alignment after replacing a tie rod end?
A loose tie rod is a major safety concern as it can separate. If a tie rod end separates, the vehicle will lose steering control. If you have seen a disabled vehicle on the side of the road with the front wheels pointing in different directions, it’s probably one of the tie rod ends has separated.
Where does the tie rod end go on a car?
Some large SUVs, pickup trucks and older cars have a steering system with a recirculating ball mechanism. Modern cars come with rack-and-pinion steering. Tie rods in both systems have the same function: they connect the steering rack or linkage to the steering knuckles. The outer tie rod end is connected to the steering knuckle.