Your Guide: How to tell if a tie rod is bad

You may have heard of a tie rod, but what is a tie rod, and do you know how to tell if a tie rod is bad? It’s an important part of your steering system and helps your wheels move. Without this important rod, you wouldn’t be able to steer your car (uh-oh!). This is just the tip of the iceberg; this important car part isn’t just something small that can be ignored. The answers to all your burning questions, like what is a tie rod, what does a tie rod do, and how to tell if a tie rod is bad, are here!

What does a tie rod do?

In your vehicle’s steering system, your tie rod connects to a steering rack (this helps your car turn); without a tie rod, your car won’t turn. There’s not just one but two, an inner and outer tie rod, which also keeps your car driving straight! So, what does a tie rod do besides helping your car steer? Potholes and car accidents can damage your tie rods, so this means you won’t be able to steer leading to even MORE damage! 

How to tell if a tie rod is bad

it’s important to spot the signs of a bad tie rod. This can prevent a car accident, there’s a few ways to tell, either while driving on those North Charlotte roads or while having your car parked at home. How to tell if a tie rod is bad is one of the most important facts you’ll learn! 

Here are four signs to keep an eye out for when learning how to tell if a tie rod is bad: 

• Uneven Tire Wear: When your tire rod is bad, you’ll have uneven or excessive tire wear. Since this is external, you’ll be able to see just how much wear your tires have and if it’s shown more on one side than another. 

• Unalignment: You’ll notice this on the front end of your Toyota; a worn-out tie rod can become loose and misalign your whole steering system! This can just be a factor in a misalignment problem in your car, but you can always have our North Charlotte Toyota experts check it out and learn more about what is a tie rod!

• Steering Wheel Vibration/Loose: When your tie rod is damaged or loose, you’ll feel it in your steering wheel! (Crazy, we know!) You’ll feel your steering wheel shake or be looser than normal. This is an important sign to keep an eye on; if this gets worse, you could lose control of your car. 

• Clunking sounds: You’ve noticed some not-so-great noises coming from your car. This can happen when you’re trying to turn at slow or high speed. This could mean your tie rod is loose! It’s hitting other parts of your steering system. 

• Missing parts: If your tie rod is missing a “boot,” which protects your tie rod joint, it’s damaged even faster! It’ll get covered in dirt and take direct hits from debris from Charlotte roads. You’ll even hear a grinding noise (yikes!)

Schedule your maintenance appointment today

Still not sure how to tell if a tie rod is bad? Our North Charlotte experts are here to help you! Don’t compromise your safety! Come on down to Toyota of North Charlotte on 13429 Statesville Road, or give us a call at (704) 659-2025.