When the tie rod ends are worn out, though, steering the car becomes a real challenge, if not outright impossibility. Because the driver could lose control of the car, it is also a mechanical issue with a high risk.
This article takes a look at what happens when a vehicle’s tie rod ends aren’t working properly. The cost of replacing broken tie rod ends will also be covered.
Different Ends for Tie Rods
Inside and outside of a car, you’ll find two distinct kinds of tie rod ends. The steering rack or gearbox component is where you’ll find the inner tie rod attached. It joins the outer tie rod to the steering gear, forming a connection. Your wheel alignment isn’t complete without the inner tie rod, which plays a larger role and facilitates controlled movement.
On the other hand, you’ll find the outer tie rod end connected to the spindle of each front wheel. Regardless of the direction the driver turns the wheel, it turns the front wheels.
An integral part of the steering system is these two tie rods. Furthermore, with the aid of the power steering box, they pivot the rack and pinion to turn the wheels.
To top it all off, the tie rod ends make turning and handling a breeze. In reaction to the driver’s steering inputs, it enables the wheels to turn left and right.
The Most Common Signs of a Broken Tie Rod
If your vehicle’s tie rod ends are damaged, you may notice the following:
1. Lack of or delayed response from the steering
If your steering wheel is loose or takes longer than usual to respond, it could be due to a broken tie rod. It happens when your wheel takes a while to react to your steering inputs.
2. Inconsistent tire usage
When you look closely at your tires, you’ll see that the tread is wearing down on one side more than the other. It might be because of problems with the tie rod ends, which would have affected the vehicle’s alignment.
3. Hand-wheel noises
Disturbing road noises could be an indication of a loose tie rod end. It might make a screeching, squeaking, or clunking noise. Whenever you turn the steering wheel, these noises will become more noticeable.
4. Poor alignment of the front end
When the tie rods, which link the front wheel, are worn out, it can cause the wheel to become misaligned. Your vehicle will rack straight as you steer it thanks to the tie rods.
5. Vibration of the steering wheel
as the tie rod ends aren’t working properly, you could feel vibrations as you turn the wheel. The sensation is most pronounced when navigating uneven terrain or reducing speed while rotating the steering wheel.
What will happen if you don’t change the broken tie rod quickly?
If your tie rod is damaged, you run the risk of total tie rod failure while driving. It portends a catastrophic accident when your wheel separates entirely from the steering system. Your vehicle’s control could be compromised in an instant.
In order to have complete control over how the vehicle moves, the tie rod is essential since it connects the steering to the wheels. Sadly, the tie rod end doesn’t last forever and is easily worn.
As it wears out, it becomes extremely mobile since it is no longer securely attached to the socket. A lot of the signals we discussed earlier are also given out by it. Ignoring the tie rod will cause it to break at some point.
Additionally, you lose control of the wheels when driving if the tie rod snaps or detaches from them. There will be a complete halt to steering response from the wheels.
If you’re wondering, “How far can you drive with damaged tie rods?” the answer is no more than ten to twenty miles. Do not drive with a damaged tie rod; have it repaired right away.
What does it cost to change the tie rod end?
After you factor in the price of labor, the cost of new tie rod parts can range from $40 to $150. Based on the expert you choose, the cost of hiring someone to assist with the replacement could range from $100 to $200.
The amount needed to replace a tie could range from $150 to $350, subject to specific conditions. You can save a ton of money if you have any mechanical know-how and fix it yourself.
Overview
There are certain telltale symptoms of a broken tie rod, and we get that. Do not disregard these signs on your vehicle once you discover them. If your car’s tie rod end breaks, it will render your vehicle inoperable unless you get it repaired. Additionally, driving with a broken tie rod end is risky business.
