Tie Rod Repair Cost: Everything You Need To Know
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The unexpected repairs are among the least appealing aspects of owning a car. Sure, many repair jobs will still allow you to drive your vehicle and ignore the problem, but you’re only endangering yourself (and others) if something goes wrong with your car. In addition, you’re also risking worsening the situation, which usually means more expensive repairs down the line.
When it comes to mechanical issues, your car’s steering system is something you can’t afford to ignore. With a busted engine or transmission, at least you won’t be starting your vehicle. However, faulty steering puts yourself and your passengers at risk, especially when you drive fast.
The tie rod is one component of the steering system that may go bad. It’s one of the many components that you’d surely feel the difference if it were to malfunction. For today’s post, we’ll talk about the tie rod repair cost, what exactly it is, the symptoms of a failing rod, and more. Let’s take a look!
What Exactly is a Tie Rod and Its Purpose?
Tie rods are vital to your vehicle’s safety and are integrated into most modern cars’ steering systems. Specifically, the tie rod is the mechanical part that connects your steering gear with the steering knuckle. To better understand the tie rod repair cost, you’ll have to know what it is first. Interestingly, you’ll also find tie rods outside of cars like airplanes and steel structures such as towers and bridges.
More specifically, most modern vehicles have a mechanical system called a rack-and-pinion steering system, whose primary purpose is to help drivers steer their cars. Tie rods are installed at the end of the steering rack, helping push and pull the car’s front tires once the steering wheel is used for turning. As a result, tie rods are essential components that help with steering and vehicle alignment. Without properly functioning tie rods, you may have difficulties turning your car which can be a safety hazard.
Can Tie Rods Malfunction or Go Bad?
Each time you use the steering wheel to turn just even an inch, your tie rods get to work. Like virtually all mechanical components in your car, tie rods are subjected to wear and tear and, over time, will eventually go bad. In extreme cases, worn-out tie rods may stop working or break altogether. Outside the normal wear and tear, these rods may snap or break when driving through potholes or in an accident.
Tie rods can last for many years or decades even. In fact, it’s possible not to require a tie rod replacement for your car’s entire lifespan. Road conditions and driving habits can severely affect the lifespan of your tie rods.
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Signs Your Tie Rods are Going Bad
You’re probably asking: how will I know if I have bad tie rods? Below are a couple of symptoms you should keep an eye for:
Abnormal Tire Treadwear
Tire wear is about as normal as it gets, but the wear should be even on both sides of the vehicle. If the treadwear is uneven on one or more tires, there’s a good chance that you have bad tie rods. A bad tie rod will cause the inner or outer edges of the wheel to wear faster than the rest of the tire.
You can inspect your car for uneven tire wear by standing in front and looking at the outer and inner sections of your front tires. However, uneven tire wear doesn’t only point to bad tie rods, as it can stem from other issues such as bad alignment and improper tire pressure.
Uneven Front-End Alignment
A properly aligned vehicle should maintain a straight path without handling the steering wheel. Tie rods are vital for keeping a vehicle’s front-end alignment, and bad rods will loosen the linked parts. This causes a misalignment in your front end, which can be very noticeable when driving.
While driving, you’ll notice that the steering wheel alignment tends to veer to the left or right as it’s pointed forward. Try removing your hands from the wheel, and you’ll see the tendency to veer off course with faulty tie rods.
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Vibrations or Shaking from the Steering Wheel
As mentioned, lousy tie rods will loosen all the connected parts. One potential symptom of this is excessive shaking or vibration from your steering wheel. This means there’s no solid connection between the wheels and the steering system. Moreover, the vibration becomes even worse when driving faster or cornering.
This abnormal shaking isn’t just unsettling; the loose connection may also accelerate the wear and tear of your steering system.
Abnormal Sounds While Steering
Steering your car should be uneventful, so you know there’s something wrong when you hear clunking, squeaking, and squealing sounds as you turn the wheel. This indicates a metal-on-metal contact, which may be due to a faulty tie rod. However, this symptom may also originate from loss of lubrication.
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Tie Rod Repair Cost: Is It Expensive?
In general, you don’t exactly repair a bad tie rod because it’s better to buy a replacement, remove the old one, and install the new part. The average tie rod repair cost, or rather replacement is between $60 to $400 – depending on various factors like model/make of the vehicle, quality of the parts, and supply.
For instance, OEM tie rods from luxury brands may be more expensive, but the difference isn’t huge. With that said, A tie rod end component may cost $20–$100, regardless if it is an inner or outer rod. However, outer rods are easier to install, so expect to pay around $80–$100 since mechanics typically take less than an hour to complete the job. Meanwhile, replacing the inner tie rod ends is a bit more complex, so expect to pay around $150–$300 in labor costs.
Since you’re mostly paying for the labor, purchasing OEM or high-quality rods is more practical to make the most out of your time and money. To help reduce the overall costs, shop around for parts and labor rates around your area.
Tie Rod Failure: Taking Action
Tie rods are essential to a vehicle’s steering system, connecting the steering gear to the wheel hub and maintaining proper wheel alignment. However, like any mechanical part, tie rods are prone to wear and tear and, if left unattended, can lead to serious safety hazards. Vehicle owners must be aware of the warning signs that indicate a failing tie rod, such as uneven tire wear, misaligned steering, vibrations, or unusual sounds while turning.
By recognizing these symptoms early on and taking prompt action, drivers can prevent further damage to their vehicles and avoid potentially dangerous situations on the road. Regular inspections of the tie rods and other steering components should be part of routine car maintenance, allowing for the identification and resolution of any issues before they escalate.
If a tie rod failure is suspected, it is essential to address it immediately by seeking professional assistance. While the cost of tie rod repairs or replacements may vary depending on factors such as vehicle make and model, part quality, and labor rates, prioritizing these repairs is crucial to ensure the safety and reliability of the vehicle’s steering system.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tie Rod Repair
Q: What is a tie rod and what does it do?
A: A tie rod is a crucial component of a vehicle’s steering system that connects the steering gear to the wheel hub. It plays a vital role in ensuring proper wheel alignment.
Q: How does a tie rod connect to the wheel?
A: The tie rod connects to the wheel hub through the ball joint, which allows for the necessary movement to steer the vehicle.
Q: What is the role of the castle nut in a tie rod assembly?
A: The castle nut is used to secure the tie rod end to the steering knuckle, ensuring a stable connection.
Q: Is tie rod repair part of regular car care?
A: Yes. Regular inspections of the tie rod and other steering components should be part of routine car care to ensure safety and optimal performance.
Q: What happens if I don’t fix a damaged tie rod soonest?
A: Ignoring a damaged tie rod can lead to severe safety risks, as it can cause the driver to lose steering control, potentially resulting in an accident.
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