They may seem small and simple at first glance, but tie rod ends are a critical part of the steering system. In a rack and pinion style steering system, they connect the steering rack and steering knuckle, allowing the wheels to move in the driver’s desired direction.
Tie rod ends are tough parts made from sturdy materials. However, the slightest damage or wear can cause serious problems because of the exacting tolerances demanded by the steering system. This guide can help you find the best replacement tie rod ends for your vehicle.
Tie rod connect the steering rack and steering knuckle, allowing the wheels to move in the driver’s desired direction.
Need high-quality replacement tie rod ends for your vehicle? Check out TrueDrive® tie rod ends. Designed with longevity and consumer safety in mind, TrueDrive® parts promise an uncompromised fit, finish, and level of quality. TrueDrive® is the true choice for aftermarket suspension and ride control, keeping your vehicle strong and steady on the road so you can drive with confidence, no matter where the road takes you.
Best Tie Rod End Brands
To help you select a replacement for a bad or failing tie rod end, we came up with a list of the best brands on the market:
Because TrueDrive offers a full lineup of premium products at a great value, it has quickly become one of the most popular brands. TrueDrive provides customers with a high-quality, low-cost product by eliminating the costly supply chain. All parts are made in the same top-tier factories as other name brands to ensure reliability.
TrueDrive tie rods are some of the best on the market. Each is built to SO9001 and QS9000 manufacturing standards to ensure reliability and safety. At the same time, a state-of-the-art design process guarantees your part is install-ready.
TrueDrive provides customers with a high-quality, low-cost product by eliminating the costly supply chain.
Key Features:
Built to SO9001 and QS9000 manufacturing standards
Designed as a direct replacement for your existing tie rod assembly
Anti-corrosion finish defends against rust and extends service life
Founded in the US in 1919, Moog is an internationally acclaimed brand that offers chassis, suspension, and steering parts. Its tie rod ends are all-metal parts with greater durability and longer lifespans than their plastic counterparts.
Moog’s tie rod ends are all-metal parts with greater durability and longer lifespans than their plastic counterparts.
Key Features:
Designed for the exact requirements of each application
Made of forged steel SAE 1040 (16MnCr5) for extra strength and durability
Easy fit and convenient installation thanks to an accessible wrench flat
Greasable parts reduce friction and flush out contaminants
Motorcraft is the official automotive parts division of the Ford Motor Company. It produces both original equipment and replacement parts for Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury models.
Motorcraft ensures the durability of its tie rod ends by implementing stringent quality tests. Vehicle owners can take advantage of Motorcraft’s quality tie rod ends to get the most out of their steering system.
Motorcraft ensures the durability of its tie rod ends by implementing stringent quality tests.
Key Features:
Forged out of high-quality materials to ensure strength and toughness
Designed for easy installation
Integrates the latest designs, materials, and hardware from Ford to ensure optimum performance
Mevotech engineers its products with a distinct emphasis on durability and ease of installation. Tie rod ends go through extreme durability testing to ensure that they measure up to their promised performance and lifespan.
Technicians and DIYers will appreciate the brand’s labor-saving features, which can cut down installation time. With Mevotech tie rod ends, drivers can return to the road with the confidence to face changing road and weather conditions.
With Mevotech tie rod ends, drivers can return to the road with the confidence to face changing road and weather conditions.
Key Features:
Comes with additional mounting hardware for quick and easy installation
Features corrosion-resistant coating to prevent rust damage
Grease channels improve performance and extend service life
ACDelco is the official auto parts brand of the General Motors Company (GM). It produces replacement parts for GMC, Chevrolet, and Buick vehicles.
The tie rod ends offered by ACDelco’s premium Professional brand are full ball stud designs that feature double bearings. They minimize friction and have their ability to withstand sharp shocks when driving over uneven road surfaces.
Replace your old tie rod ends with ACDelco Professional parts to enjoy easy steering on almost any type of road terrain.
ACDelco is the official auto parts brand of the General Motors Company (GM).
Key Features:
TS 16949 certification ensures product quality
Polyurethane dust boot protects the bearing from contaminants
Long service life thanks to greaseable design and anti-corrosion coating
Most products come with a lifetime ACDelco limited warranty
Crown Automotive is best known for manufacturing premium parts for Jeep models. It also produces many components for four-wheel drive (4WD) Chrysler and Dodge vehicles.
The company’s extensive experience with developing parts for off-road vehicles means it knows the toughness needed by a 4WD vehicle’s steering system. Crown tie rod end products use strong materials that can withstand rough outdoor conditions and sharp jolts while driving on uneven terrain.
Crown Automotive is best known for manufacturing premium parts for Jeep models.
Key Features:
Designed to match stock parts
Uses durable materials
Rubber boot seals lubricant inside the tie rod end
1-year or 12,000-mile Crown limited warranty
Our Score: 9/10
Our Recommendation
We recommend TrueDrive® tie rod ends because they offer uncompromised quality at a competitive price point. By utilizing the same supply chain as major brands, you can get the same high-performing parts minus the high markup. Available for a wide variety of makes and models, these tie rod ends come with a perfect fit right out of the box to ensure hassle-free installation.
What is a Tie Rod End?
As was mentioned, in a rack and pinion style steering system, the tie rod ends connect the steering rack to each of the wheel’s steering knuckles. There are inner and outer tie rod ends. The outer tie rod end attaches to the front wheel knuckle, while the inner tie rod connects to the steering rack.
Tie rod ends connect the steering rack to each of the wheel’s steering knuckles.
Turning your vehicle’s steering wheel sendgs force through the steering system until it reaches the tie rod ends. The movement goes through both inner and outer ends, plus the adjusting sleeve between them, before reaching the wheel. The ends push or pull on the wheel to turn it in the intended direction.
FAQs About Tie Rod Ends
Here are some frequently asked questions about tie rod ends.
Can I Drive With a Bad Tie Rod End?
Avoid driving with a bad tie rod, as it keeps the rear tires pointing in the same direction as the front tires. There’s a good chance you lose control over your vehicle if the tie rod ends are damaged, which may lead to accidents.
Do Tie Rod Ends Affect Steering?
As mentioned, tie rod ends keep the tires pointing in the same direction, affecting your steering. It’s a component you’ll only notice if it’s damaged since you won’t have full control over your vehicle.
And while it’s not related to steering, you’ll also feel a noticeable vibration if you drive with a damaged tie rod end.
What Damages Tie Rod Ends?
The biggest culprit in tie rod end damage is poor driving conditions, including driving through potholes, rough roads, and difficult terrain. Doing so increases the risk of damaging your steering tie rod since it’s exposed to impacts and stress.
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Tie Rod End
Here are some of the common warning signs of a bad or failing tie rod end:
The vehicle’s front end falls out of alignment
Excessive play on the steering wheel
Steering wheel or vehicle vibration
The tires show uneven and/or high wear and tear
Unusual noises, especially when turning
Bring your vehicle to an auto repair shop for a thorough diagnosis as soon as it displays any of the symptoms above. If the mechanic confirms that the problem stems from a bad tie rod end, have the faulty steering component replaced as soon as possible.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
