Tie Rod End
If your steering wheel feels shaky and you observe uneven tire wear due to misaligned wheels, your vehicle might need a tie rod end replacement. Find the right tie rod end for your car, truck, or SUV right here at Carparts.com. You can get a complete set or individual pieces depending on your needs. Check out our wide selection of tie rod ends and get the perfect fit for your vehicle now.
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WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and Mineral Oils, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and Mineral Oils, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and Mineral Oils, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and Mineral Oils, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and Mineral Oils, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and Mineral Oils, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and Mineral Oils, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and Mineral Oils, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and Mineral Oils, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and Mineral Oils, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and Mineral Oils, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and Mineral Oils, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and Mineral Oils, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and Mineral Oils, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and Mineral Oils, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
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Summary
- Tie rods are the small rods attached to the steering knuckle. It is the link between the steering rack and the wheel.
- Parts associated with tie rods include the steering shaft, steering rack, pinion, inner rod, outer rod, jam nut, bearings and ball stud, bushing, bellows, and steering knuckle.
- Faulty tie rods cause a shaky steering wheel, misaligned wheels, and uneven tire wear.
- It costs around $17 to $1,500.
Most cars nowadays share a common steering system known as the rack and pinion. This type of steering mechanism utilizes a circular gear or pinion attached to the end of the steering shaft and a linear gear known as rack. To control the wheel with ease, the system integrates tie rods, which are attached to both ends of the steering rack. The rods help with the wheels movement by pushing and pulling them as the steering wheel turns.
What does a tie rod end look like?
Tie rods are the small rods attached to the steering knuckle. A single tie rod end consists of outer and inner tie rods. The outer rod consists of a head or ball stud with a threaded end that connects to the steering knuckle. Its counterpart, the inner tie rod, serves as the long arm with two threaded ends; one for the jam nut that links it to the outer rod and one for the inner socket assembly of the steering rack. This end of the rod married to the rack is often covered by bellows.
Components associated with tie rod ends
Tie rod ends are simple rods with important function in your car’s steering system. However, these rods need other components to function properly, specifically the steering system assembly. There are multiple parts related to tie rods like the suspension assembly and anti-sway bar, which is a topic for another time. For now, here are some significant parts that are associated to tie rod ends.
Steering Shaft
The steering shafts is the rod connected to the steering wheel, with a pinion on the other end.
Steering Rack
A linear gear that is engaged with the pinion; the ends connect to the driver and passenger side tie rod ends.
Pinion
The circular gear found at the tip of the steering shaft; rolls on top of the rack to create the left and right motion.
Inner rod
The slim metal rod which has threaded ends that attach to the outer rod and the steering rack.
Outer rod
The bulkier end of a tie rod which houses the ball stud and bearing assembly.
Jam nut
The hardware that glues the outer and inner rod.
Bearings and ball stud
The head of the outer tie rod that is designed primarily for steering movements, while at the same time helps the steering system with bump impacts.
Bushing
The rubber that covers and protects the ball stud and bearing from possible road dirt that may infiltrate the internal parts.
Bellows
The plastic, spring-like cover that protects the inner socket assembly, where the inner rod and steering rack connect.
Steering knuckle
The metal part connecting the wheel to the outer tie rod.
Why do I need to know about tire rod ends?
Being aware of the tie rod end can help in troubleshooting mechanical problems and symptoms of your car, especially when the issue has something to do with steering. Just like any other part, tie rods serve an important role in your car’s overall operation. A failing tie rod would simply mean that your car won’t turn properly, or it could alter the alignment of your wheels.
Tie rod ends can malfunction due to wear and tear caused by metal stress from frequent motion, bumps, and time. Misaligned wheels make your vehicle difficult to control, as the wheel couldn’t meet the optimum angle needed for your car to effectively turn.
How long do tie rods last?
Your vehicle's tie rod ends are engineered to last for many years but the actual lifespan can vary depending on several factors, such as your vehicle's model, your driving routes or terrain, and how you drive. Talk to a technician if you believe your tie rod ends failed ahead of time.
What are the benefits of replacing worn-out tie rod ends?
There are multiple reasons why you should replace a broken tie rod end, and the benefit ranges from safety to practicality. One obvious advantage of installing a fresh OE replacement tie rod is better handling on corners. Poor cornering can result to oversteering or understeering, which are both risky on populated public roads. Another reason is to save you from unnecessary extra expenses like buying a new tire replacement due to uneven tire wear.
If you have enough DIY auto repair experience and the right tools, it should take you around 3 to 4 hours to replace the tie rod end. For your safety, do not attempt the replacement job if you're unsure about your skills. However, if you really want to fix your vehicle yourself, make sure to consult your owner's manual.
How much is a tie rod end?
Prices for OE replacement tie rod ends vary depending on the quantity or part you’re after. Individual tie rod end pieces, be it outer or inner, are priced around $17 to $820. For better deals, try checking the sets (up to sets of 16), as well as kits. These items come with other components like wheel hubs, hardware, adjusting sleeves, and even drag links. Kits and sets range from $30 to $1,500.
For additional information, you may read our article, "Best Tie Rod Ends for Your Vehicle: Top 6 Brands to Choose From".
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