How to Inspect Tie Rod Ends: A Handy Visual Guide

When a car or any other vehicle goes around a corner in a curve or in any other way, the inner outer tie rod end are the parts that help you turn your vehicle. Therefore, the tie rod ends are crucial in allowing you to steer your car without ending up in a wall. If they are not working properly, your steering wheel may feel janky, or the vehicle will have a sloppy pull to one side. Here are the important steps in order to recognize what condition your tie rod ends are in.

First of all, inner outer tie rod end , which are your steering wheel’s “joints,” connect the steering wheel to the wheels. If when turning left or right, you hear a clunking noise or feel the wheel vibration, your tie rod ends may be shot. Uneven tire wear and sloppy pulling are also symptoms. After that, visually inspecting them for damage is not that difficult. Jack up your car and secure it safely. Then, take hold of the tie rod ends and attempt to move them. If there’s delta, they may be damaged and need to be replaced. Finally, look for any leaking grease. If the boot isn’t sealed, the inside grease may be bad. To extend their lives and overall usability, one should also get regular wheel alignments and avoid hitting potholes or curbs. Finally, if you think anything is wrong, have someone inspect them. In most cases, they’re relatively easy to replace. To prevent from winding up in a ditch, be sure to replace inner outer tie rod end as soon as possible.