Yes, and yes. And it is usually a very critical step after a tie rod replacement. Wheel alignment is mandatory after replacing any suspension or steering components. The tie rods control the steering angles, and if they have just been tampered with, the wheel angles have likely changed. Forgetting to do a wheel alignment after a tie rod replacement will lead to all the problems explained above and maybe even more expensive repairs. Subsequently, a faulty tie rod will affect your alignment and steering abilities.
A wheel alignment will make your wheels last longer and give you a smoother drive. You also get to save on fuel consumption and frequent wheel changes. The inner tie rod connects to the steering assembly, so a problem with the inner road replacement will lead to a loss of ability to steer the wheel. Below are some of the reasons behind a wobbly steering wheel after inner tie rod replacement.
If the joint that connects the inner tie rod and the outer tie rod was not adjusted properly, it could cause the steering wheel to feel sloppy after a replacement.
Another reason could be that you did not replace a worn-out tie rod end. If you replaced your tie rod due to wear, the tie rod end was also likely to wear out too, as they have the same lifespan. A worn-out tie rod end has excess free play, which causes the front wheels to lose their alignment. So driving with a new tie rod with a defective tie rod end will still cause an unsteady steering wheel and degrade the new inner tie rod quickly. Worn-out ball joints could be a reason for a sloppy steering wheel.
Though the ball joints work independently from the tie rods, your steering ability also gets affected if the ball joints fail. A torn tie rod boot can damage your new tie rod end and cause steering problems.
Water and other contaminants damage the tie rod end, causing excessive play, which leads to a shaky or vibrating steering wheel. Part 1ASTE Add to Cart. Loading Delivery Options. Enter your zip code. Frequently bought together.
Vehicle Fit. Lifetime Warranty This item is backed by our limited lifetime warranty. Watch video. Check Vehicle Fit. Product Reviews. Loading reviews. There are no reviews for this item. Call Now Customer service. If the plastic or rubber boot that protects the tie rod joint and contains the lubricating grease becomes damaged, dirt, debris, and other substances can enter, interfering or drying out the grease and causing grinding sounds as you steer.
This one is not as easy to notice as the rest. Repeat this process for the other wheel. If one or both of the wheels make a clicking noise or shift slightly as they are moved, there is a good chance that the tie rods or another component are failing and need to be replaced. Simply put, you should have your tie rods inspected if you notice any of the symptoms associated with a failing tie rod, particularly a shaky steering wheel, rattling and other unusual noises emanating from the front wheels, and wheel misalignment.
As noted earlier, the main reasons why tire rods fail are because of normal wear and tear and damage sustained from collisions. They can become loose or even break, as a result, causing the vehicle to lose steering control and pull to one side while driving.
The outer tie rod ends tend to wear out quicker than the inner tie rods and need to be replaced more often. The cost to replace tie rods mostly depends on the make and model of the vehicle, the quality of the parts used, and the rate your mechanic charges for labor. You will also need to have the wheels aligned after replacing the tie rods, which is a separate cost.
In addition to the individual cost components parts, labor, etc. Replacing the inner tie rod ends requires the use of a special tool in many vehicles, and the cost of labor will largely depend on where you live and the shop you work with.
Of course, you can save on labor by performing the repair yourself. Outer tie rod replacement is easier, quicker, and, therefore, less expensive than inner tie rod replacement. Once again, the overall cost will largely depend on the labor rate charged by your mechanic, and you must incur a separate cost to have the wheels realigned.
However, in some vehicles, they have grease fittings that need to be regreased periodically. Just ask your mechanic during your next scheduled visit. As with the rest of your car or truck frame, applying quality chassis paint to the tie rods regularly will help prevent the formation of rust and corrosion. Finally, possibly the best way to maintain the condition of your tie rods is to drive carefully. Severe impacts from accidents and driving over potholes and big bumps at high speeds can severely damage the tie rod ends, greatly shortening their life or causing them to fail completely.
Considering that most people know very little about tie rods and their importance, is it any wonder that there are many questions on the internet about them? Below are answers to some of the most popular ones.
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