What are the risks of having a loose or worn out tie rod in your vehicle?

A worn-out or loose tie rod end can prove to be dangerous for any vehicle. Normally, the steering wheel should not have more than a quarter inch of play and both the inner and the outer tie rod ends should have no detectable looseness. Loose tie rods result in steering looseness which leads to loss of steering control. Loose tie rods also result in a feathered wear pattern on the tyres and is probably the leading cause of rapid tyre wear.  

Therefore it is important to check your vehicle’s tie rods every now and then. Regular checking and timely replacement of the end tie rod can save you a fortune.

You can check whether the tie rod is loose or not by raising the front of the vehicle off the ground and shaking the front wheel back and forth. If you notice any free play, there is certainly something wrong with the tie rod end and you must get it replaced immediately.

Similarly, if you have driven your vehicle hundreds and thousands of kilometres, there are chances that your steering rack may be worn out and the best solution is to go for the replacement of the entire rack assembly. Another sign that your tie rod needs replacement is worn wheel bearings. Don’t ignore these signs and get the loose and worn out tie rod ends fixed as soon as possible.

To maximise the life of your tie rod, it is advisable to buy low fiction and high performance encapsulated tie rods. Such tie rods do not require greasing and servicing for the lifetime and do not get loose and worn out easily. To buy such tie rod, please log on to www.roadsafe.com.au