Tie rods and tie rod ends connect your steering rack to your front wheels. These critical components help turn the front tires when you turn the steering wheel. The system includes inner and outer tie rods, which connect to the steering knuckle to turn the front wheels. The adjustable outer end sets your vehicle’s alignment angle. These components endure constant jarring as you drive over rough roads and potholes. Eventually, they wear out and require replacement. Their life expectancy depends on the types of roads you drive on daily.
We recommend checking your steering components annually or during your alignment check. If your tires wear unevenly or if you experience erratic steering (the vehicle wandering in its lane), these components likely need replacement. A bad tie rod or end will misalign your tires, leading to the need for tire replacement. Ignoring the problem can cause significant damage to your steering and suspension systems, potentially leading to a crash.
From a safety standpoint, erratic driving increases the risk of accidents. Environmentally, the impact of worn parts like this remains low.
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