How to check tie rod on a car ?

The tie rod on a car is an elongated component found in the steering system. The tie rod extends from the steering rack to the steering knob. The tie rod on a car function is a link between the wheel and the steering rack end. When the steering rack moves in one direction, tie rods can continue to turn the wheel.

Although its function is only as a link, the tie rod on a car are create with special components. The tie rod must turn the wheel even though the car's wheels are up and down due to the suspension force. Yes, the tie rod on a car must work correctly, even though the angle between the wheels and the steering rack ends is different. To be able to do this, the tie rod equips with a ball joint.

This ball joint component is vulnerable to damage, so that it will interfere with overall car control. Then what are the symptoms of a bad tie rod on a car? You will feel several symptoms when the tie rod is damaged while the car is running. The symptoms are as follows;

There is a vibration when we turn the steering wheel.
There is a noise sound from the front car, mostly on the steering and wheel.
The car is often thrown in one direction when we drive, even your steering wheel in a straight position.
Below is a step-by-step on how to check tie rod on a car.

I. Lift your car

Lift the front of your vehicle with the jack. Use a jack stand for safety during tie rods inspection. Make sure the two front wheels of the car are not touching the floor surface. Position the ignition key to the accessory position for easy inspection.

II. Put your hands at the 3 and 9 o'clock position on the wheel

Switch to one side of the wheel, then put your hands at the wheel's 3 and 9 o'clock positions. Move your hands back and forth and see if there is any play in the wheel. When you feel a clicking or a giving movement, it indicates a bad tie rod.

III. Inspect the tie rod

Since there are two types of tie rods in the car (inner tie rod and outer tie rods), you must be more careful to determine which tie rod on a car is damaged. Here are some conditions that you can use as a reference for checking tie rod on a car:

If movement occurs on the tie rod close to the wheel, the outer tie rod is damaged.
If the movement feels on the tie rods close to the steering rack, then the inner tie rod is damaged.
If movement occurs on the outside and the inside, then both tie rods are damaged.

Also read:

In addition, pay attention to how to determine the damage to the tie rod on a car as below:

1. Outer tie rod (tie rod end) inspection

The outer tie rod is confirmed to be damaged if:

There is a movement right on the outer tie rod, which connects to the knuckle.
The rubber dust cover is torn or missing, and the tie rod looks rusty.
Grease on the inside of the outer tie rod mixed with sand or dirt
The outer tie rod feels rocky and easy to move by hand.

2. Inner tie rod inspection

The inner tie rod is confirmed to be damaged if:

There is a back and forth movement on the inner tie rod, which connects to the steering rack component.
The rubber dust cover is torn or missing, and the tie rod looks rusty.
Grease on the inside of the inner tie rod mixed with sand or dirt
The inner tie rod feels rocky and easy to move by hand.

When you see the signs mentioned above, you can verify that your tie rods are going bad and need a replacement.

IV. Check the tie rod on the other side of the car

Check the tie rod on the other side of the front tire in the same way to make sure all the tie rods are in good condition. Replace it with a new one if there is a sign that your tie rod is bad.