Ultimate Tie Rod Diagnosing Guide

When a tie rod goes bad, either it's damaged or loose, the initial symptoms of such an issue could include a loose steering wheel or clunking and clicking sounds from the front wheels of your vehicle. If the tie rods are in good condition, the bearing and studs of the tie rod ends should be firmly secured. However, wear or damage can occur, leading to a gap or clearance in the tie rod assembly. This results in a loose steering mechanism and produces a knocking noise. Here are some common bad tie rods symptoms that you must watch out for.

1. Steering Wheel Vibrates or Shakes

When the tie rods are damaged, it causes the steering parts to become loose, resulting in vibrations and shakes that can be felt through the steering wheel while driving. This vibration in the steering wheel can increase during acceleration and turns.

A faulty tie rod can also induce excessive play in the steering wheel, which is hazardous as it can lead to a loss of control over the vehicle's steering. If you experience a loose steering wheel, you must check your tie rods as soon as possible.

2. Poor Front End Alignment

The tie rods are responsible for the proper wheel alignment of the front end of your vehicle. When the wheel alignment is correct, the steering wheel returns to its original position and remains centred after completing a turn. If the tie rod end is damaged or worn out, it can cause the steering wheel to shake and the vehicle to pull to one side. A bad wheel alignment can hamper your handling and judgment, which can be dangerous while driving.

The misalignment becomes apparent while driving the vehicle, as it will veer to the left or right instead of maintaining a straight path. This can be easily observed by briefly removing your hands from the steering wheel while driving your car in a straight line. If your vehicle is aligned correctly, it should stay on a straight path.

3. Abnormal Sounds

Squeaking or squealing sounds while driving means metal-to-metal contact. If you hear a high-pitched squeaking noise while driving around corners, it could be that the rubber boot on the tie rod end has cracked, causing a loss of lubrication and increased metal-to-metal contact. While unusual car noises like rattling or clunking do not necessarily indicate a failing tie rod end, it's important to check for other symptoms and perform a complete tie rod diagnosis to ensure it is indeed the culprit.

4. Abnormal Tire Wear

Tire wear is natural, but it should be uniform on both sides. When your tie rods fail, the wheel alignment gets disturbed. This causes the tires to camber in or out, causing uneven wear. Uneven tire wear can be usually spotted by worn-out inside or outside edges of the front tires compared to the rest of the tire.

To inspect for abnormal tire wear, stand in front of the vehicle and examine the inside and outside edges of the front tires. Although uneven tire wear can be caused by factors such as improper alignment, incorrect tire pressure, unbalanced tires, control arm problems, etc., it's best to check your tie rods and diagnose properly.

Diagnosing a tie rod is important to ensure it is indeed faulty and you don't buy new ones unnecessarily. To diagnose tie rod problems, you must inspect the tie rods for any signs of wear or damage, such as cracks, bending, or excessive play. You can check for an excessive play by grabbing the tire at the top and bottom and attempting to move it back and forth. If there is any movement in the tie rod, it may be worn and need to be replaced.

Additionally, you can check for any visible damage by visually inspecting the tie rods and their connections. If you suspect a problem with your tie rods, read the following steps to check your tie rods thoroughly.

Tools Required

• Jack
• Jack Stands
• Wheel chocks
• Lug wrench
• Safety Glasses
• Socket Set
• Pliers
• Ball Joint Separator
• Measuring Tape
• Grease Gun 

Position the jack under the car and lift one wheel off the ground. Check your owner’s manual for the correct positioning of the jack. You can also place a jack stand beside the jack to ensure safety and stability while working. Ensure there is enough space to access the area behind the wheel. It is recommended to check your tie rods with the wheel on for accuracy. This step must be performed while the wheel is off the ground. After testing your tie rods, you can remove the wheel for further inspection if necessary. 

To check the tie rods, hold the tie rod assembly and push and pull it back and forth. A good tie rod will not move much, regardless of how much force you apply. If you notice a significant amount of play in the tie rods or it makes a squeaking noise, it could indicate an issue with the tie rod.

The next step is to check your tie rods with the wheels off. Lower the vehicle by removing the jack and stands and loosening the lug nuts using a lug wrench. Do not remove the lug nuts completely. This will prevent the wheel from coming off while the car is on the ground.

Raise the car again to lift the wheel off the ground and use the jack stands to secure the vehicle. Make sure there is sufficient space to reach behind the wheel. Although raising and lowering the car may seem like extra effort, it is crucial for safety. While the tie rod is disconnected, you cannot perform an accurate test and loosen the lug nuts while the car is elevated.

Unscrew the lug nuts completely and remove them. Pull the wheel, remove it, and set it aside. If the wheel is stuck, use a rubber mallet to tap its rim to help break free any rust.

Each front wheel of a car has an inner and outer tie rod. If you inspect the area behind the wheel, you will notice a black spring-like structure made of rubber. These are called tie-rod boots. They protect the inner tie rods from damage and road elements. Inner tie rods are connected to the sterling gear, and tie rod boots keep the assembly lubricated by keeping the grease inside and protecting it from road salt, dirt, etc. If the tie rod boots are damaged, you might leak grease, and tie rods can get damaged in the long run. Replace your tie-rod boots.

The outer tie rod end has a ball joint and a plastic or rubber cap. This boot or cap protects the ball joint from damage and keeps the grease inside for lubrication. Any cracks or damage in this boot can cause the grease to leak and dirt to enter inside the ball joint. This can cause the outer tie rod end to fail and lead to steering issues. It is recommended to replace the boot as soon as you notice any tears, as waiting too long may allow dirt to get in and necessitate the replacement of the entire outer rod.

To check if the tie rod is still in good condition, hold it beside and try to move it left and right with a firm grip. It should not have too much play. If you notice excessive movement, it may be time to replace the tie rod, as it is no longer safe. In addition, listen for any unusual sounds like squeaking or clicking, as these may indicate that the tie rod needs to be replaced. Observe the tie rods while someone else turns the steering wheel, if possible. Any presence of excessive play means the tie rods are bad and have to be replaced.

When you complete the process for one wheel, follow the same steps for the other wheels. Repeat the process for each wheel that needs to be checked or worked on. After completing the tie rod diagnosis, lower the vehicle with the hydraulic jack and tighten the lug nuts using a torque wrench.  

Accessing the inner tie rod with the tire in place can be challenging. To work on it, loosen the lug nuts with a tire iron while the car is on the ground, but avoid removing them. Afterward, use a jack to elevate the tire from the ground and unscrew the lug nuts by hand. Once that is done, pull the tire towards you to detach it from the vehicle. Be sure to stabilize your car on jack stands before attempting to reach beneath it.

Although it's possible to access the inner rod while the wheel is attached, it's tricky. On the other hand, removing the wheel makes it much easier to locate and access the rod.

Trace the outer tie rod from the wheel towards the car's center. The outer rod functions as a sleeve that the inner rod plugs into. You can identify the connection point more easily as the end of the outer rod is threaded. The other end of the inner rod is connected to a black plastic cap called a rack boot, which has a spring-like appearance. It's worth noting that the inner tie rod is always smaller than the outer one and is connected exclusively to the end of the inner rod.

Make sure to inspect the components around the inner rod thoroughly. Examine the rack boot that connects the rod to the car's steering shaft. If the tie rod appears to be damaged, it is recommended to replace the entire part. For a torn rack boot, gently pull it apart to check for debris. If the tie iron is dirty, it is best to replace the rack boot. It is possible to replace the rack boot and avoid purchasing a new tie iron, but only if it is still in good condition. Remember that inner tie irons wear out much less frequently than outer ones. Therefore, a problem with your vehicle is more likely to be caused by the outer rod, rack boot, or steering column rather than the tie rod.

Extend your arm beneath the vehicle and locate the visible metal rod behind the wheel well. Gently tug the rod to the left and right to gauge its mobility. It should remain relatively stationary, but if it sways excessively, it may require replacement. While the inner tie rod may turn quietly, it is typical for it to do so. However, if any popping or unusual sounds emanate from any area except the rack boot, it is a sign of a problem.

Before lowering the jack:

1. Replace and position the wheel at the jack point behind the other wheel.
2. After elevating the vehicle, reach beneath it and grasp the inner rod, ensuring it appears undamaged.
3. Proceed to shake it and listen for any unusual noises or wobbling.
4. Removing the inner tie rod is more challenging than the outer one and requires a tie rod separator. If you cannot complete the task, it is best to take it to a mechanic.

In conclusion, understanding how to diagnose tie rod problems is essential for maintaining the safety and performance of your vehicle. Regularly checking and testing the tie rods can detect any problems early on and prevent further damage to your car's suspension system. Remember to check inner and outer tie rods, inspect for damage or looseness, and listen for unusual sounds or vibrations. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your vehicle's tie rods remain in good condition and keep you safe on the road.