What it does
Tie rods connect your steering rack to the front wheels. When you turn the steering wheel, they push and pull the wheels to steer. The outer tie rod end is a small ball-and-socket joint covered by a rubber boot, and that joint is what usually wears out.
Common symptoms
- Steering feels loose or sloppy, with play before the wheels respond
- Clunking or knocking from the front when turning or going over bumps
- Shimmy or shake in the steering wheel
- The car wanders and needs constant correcting to go straight
- Fast wear on the inside or outside edge of the front tires
What to look for
- Safety first: if you lift the vehicle, use jack stands on solid, level ground. Never get under a vehicle held up only by a jack.
- Shake test: with the front wheel off the ground, grab the tire at 9 and 3 o'clock and push and pull in and out. Play or a clunk points to a worn tie rod.
- Watch the joint: with the wheels on the ground and the engine off, have someone rock the steering wheel side to side while you watch the tie rod end. Slop in the joint before the wheel moves means it's worn.
- Check the boot: a torn rubber boot lets dirt and water in and wears the joint out.
- Look at the front tires: wear on just one edge is a common clue.
Could be something else
Play at 9 and 3 o'clock can also come from the inner tie rod or the steering rack. Clunks over bumps are often ball joints, sway bar links or struts. Wandering can be as simple as an alignment or uneven tire pressure.
Is it safe to drive?
Not for long. A worn tie rod keeps getting worse, and if one breaks you lose steering on that wheel. Replacing a tie rod changes your alignment, so plan on an alignment afterward.
Related: Bad ball joint symptoms · Bad control arm bushings
Think it's your tie rods? Northwoods can check it right where your vehicle sits, anywhere in the greater Twin Ports area.