Every car has a steering system. To put it simply, it is a mechanism attached to the wheels. When you move around the vehicle, it steers the car in whatever direction you want. Tie rods are part of the steering system. They are connected to the wheels and consist of an inner part, an outer part, and tie rod ends.
At the ends of both inner and outer rods are ball joints. Those steering rod ends transfer the rotational power to other parts of the system. They are protected from dirt and moisture from the road with rubber boots. With time, the rubber boot becomes looser and requires replacement.
Your car can have either rack-and-pinion or mechanical steering systems. The latest one is more complicated than the rack-and-pinion system. Every time you turn the car, the pinion gear moves down the steering rack, which turns the wheels. The tie rod connects the pinion and steering gears with the vehicle wheel. Its function here is to transmit the power to the steering rack and steering arm. It is connected to both those parts.
The mechanical steering system involves unique parts that the rack-and-pinion one does not have. It is a gearbox. The gears in it move the pitman arm every time you steer. The Pitman’s arm is connected to the steering rack. Every time gears start working, they set in motion all the mechanisms. That’s how steering happens. In the case of mechanical systems, tie rods here also transmit the power to other parts and are indispensable for the whole process.
Most modern cars have rack-and-pinion systems because of their simplicity and efficiency. Fewer fragments not only reduce weight but also make repair easier. When you start to suspect the damage, having a rack-and-pinion system should make your mood more positive.
The checklist of a good suspension system
| Frame bracket mounts | Arm bushings | King pin play | Tie rod castle nuts | Drained air kit | Tires wearing evenly |
| ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Replacement cost
The unfortunate outcome of finding a malfunction in your steering rod ends is that you’ll need to replace them as quickly as possible. Luckily, they are not that expensive compared to other elements of your vehicle. The cost will vary insignificantly depending on what kind of vehicle you have.
No matter if you have a two hundred dollar Lamborghini or a thirty thousand dollar Honda, the price for tie rod end replacement will be relatively similar. On average, you’ll spend around $90 to $300. The labor will cost approximately $85 and last about an hour.
It is also possible to do the repair on your own by following a step-by-step guide. You can order a suspension kit for your model if you have a Honda. For Honda Civic 2006-2011, you can buy a kit of inner and outer tie ends and then use a manual to install it.
Ordering online is the simplest and most convenient way to choose and pay for brand new parts for your car on your own. You can also purchase a fully equipped suspension kit for the Honda Accord that consists of both inner and outer parts. If you need them separately, this option is possible as well.
Pros
- Special treatment done for increased strength and resistance
- Helps in restoring balance of vehicle
- Stops rattling sound
Cons
- Compatible only with Honda Civic 2006-2011
Honda Suspension Kit
| 100% Assembly consistency | Easy to install | Pre-greased | Certified technology |
| ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Pros
- Eliminates rattling sound immediately
- Increases strength resistance
- Promotes vehicle balance
- Gives a better shock absorbing power.
Cons
- May not be compatible with all vehicles so check before you buy.
Why you can trust us and how we picked?
Your vehicle is like your best buddy. Anything happens to it and you just can’t sleep. It is always there at the back of your mind. We have come up with another article regarding the care of your car. In this article, we have covered bad tie rods. We have been plenty of queries regarding this. So we consulted the expert engineers, mechanics, and car owners who have faced this problem and fixed it. All that information is filtered and shaped in the form of this article. Give it a good read and know all about the bad tie rods and how long you can drive on them.
Factors to consider
In case you have bad tie rods, consider the following factors before getting them fixed :
Time
How old is the vehicle? Were you thinking of selling it off before the tie rods went bad? If yes, then get your basic alignment done and sell off the car for a new one. It’s not worth the effort to spend too much money on the vehicle now.
How bad is it?
The signs start from a clunking sound near the front end but as time passes, you can lose control of the steering and thereby, the vehicle, completely. So its best to get to the garage the minute you have time to spare for repair.
Can you do it yourself?
Some people are already experts at working on their cars. If it’s only replacement of outer tie rod ends. This can be done with DIY methods available online. More complicated procedures will require mechanic interventions.
How can you tell if it is bad?
Luckily, any damage to your car is always followed by symptoms that clearly state what is wrong. When the tie rod is bad, you will face issues with your car’s steering system. You have more reasons to be concerned if you’ve been driving on hilly terrain or bumpy roads.
The first thing for you to notice is your vehicle’s lack of response while you try to move it in a certain direction. Suppose you hear unusual noises coming from it while steering. There is an issue within the tie rods. As well, pay attention to the turning wheel because it is directly connected to the tie rods. Jerking to the sides and vibration is not something that it’ll do when the steering system is healthy.
In short, keep an out for:
- Lack of response
- Wheel turning issues
- Jerking to sides
- Vibrating car
Should I replace both inner and outer tie rods?
The best option is to replace both parts at once. Inner and outer elements constitute the system and are matched to each other. If you replace only one element, you are at risk of getting a mismatch. The kit with both pieces is not very expensive. However, you’ll pay a double price when mismatched parts cause more trouble.
