Tie rod end design, causes of wear, failure symptoms and the correct replacement steps, plus why wheel alignment is mandatory afterwards.
An MSG Equipment article looks at tie rods and tie rod ends, which link the steering mechanism to the wheels. A tie rod end is a ball stud rotating in a greased housing; although durable, it is one of the more vulnerable parts of the car.
The main causes of wear are hitting potholes or curbs at speed and torn dust boots that let moisture and dirt in. Typical symptoms include play and knocking in the steering, noise when turning on rough roads and alignment problems.
- Lift the car, remove the wheels and loosen the lock nuts
- Remove the pin and nut, then press out the end with a ball joint puller
- Fit the new part to the previously marked thread position
Rebuilding tie rod ends is not recommended, and a wheel alignment must always follow replacement to avoid uneven tyre wear.