What does the tie rod end do?
The tie rod ends are important components in your vehicle’s steering and suspension system. They connect your vehicle’s steering system to your wheels, allowing them to properly turn when you turn your steering wheel.
When your vehicle turns, the movement is transmitted through steering components and finds its way to the tie rods. An adjusting sleeve sits on the tie rod, pushing or pulling the wheel to make it turn properly. Functioning tie rod ends are important to vehicle safety, as they allow your vehicle to respond correctly to your steering. You can adjust your front wheel alignment “toe in or toe out” by adjusting your tie rod ends.
Learn more about the tie rod end >
What causes a damaged/failing tie rod end?
Wear over time – The tie rod end is subject to wear over time. This is because it is constantly moving with your wheel. Driving on bumpy terrain will increase the wear due to more force being applied to the tie rod end. On older vehicle lubrication (greasing) of the tie rod end will greatly increase its life and allow it to move more smoothly. On modern vehicles the tie rod ends are pre greased and sealed, so they are designed to last the life of the vehicle.
Impact – A sudden impact can cause serious damage to the tie rod end. This can result in it becoming loose and not working correctly. To extend the life of the tie rod end, avoid driving over rough terrain, kerbs, pot holes, debris on the road, or taking speed bumps at high speeds.
Symptoms of a damaged tie rod end:
Car drifting to one side – A loose tie rod end will cause the vehicle to pull to one side when you are driving. This is due to the tie rod not controlling the front of your vehicle properly.
Uneven tyre wear – A loose tie rod end can cause parts of your tyre to wear out prematurely. If the inside or outside tread of your front tyres is wearing more quickly than the rest of the tyre, you may have a loose/damaged tyre end due to a toe in or toe out issue. This may lead to you needing a tyre replacement.
Steering feels loose – If the tie rod end becomes loose, it will affect your steering especially at higher speeds. Your steering may feel loose or not as responsive as normal. This will often be accompanied by vibrating through the steering wheel or a rattling / knocking noise especially noticed at lower speeds over small bumps. .
What happens if the tie rod end completely breaks?
The tie rod end can completely fail if left untreated. This can result in there being no connection between your steering system and wheel. A broken tie rod end can cause you to lose control of your vehicle, affecting your safety and the safety of others on the roads.
We recommend that you get your tie rod ends checked and replaced long before they reach the stage of complete failure. As properly functioning tie rod ends are a Warrant of Fitness item, they will be checked once per year for newer cars, and twice per years for older cars.
Tie Rod End Repair & Replacement in Hamilton
Are your tie rod ends in need of replacement? If so, we can help you.
The tie rod ends are important to your car’s steering system and allow your wheels to respond correctly. Our mechanics are skilled at replacing steering and tyre-related components. This means that we can replace the tie rod ends in your vehicle, and correctly set your vehicles “toe” levels keeping its steering system in good condition.
For tyre rod end replacement in Hamilton, contact Grimmer Motors today!