What is Tie Rod? – its Functions, Diagram, & How its Works

A tie rod or tie bar, also called a hanger rod if vertical, is a narrow structural unit used as a tie that can only handle tensile loads in most situations.

It is any rod or bar-shaped structural element used to keep two parts of a vehicle together. The tie rod is one of the most critical components in your vehicle’s steering system.

It connects the steering rack to the steering knuckle. One of its functions is to help move your wheels when you steer and make turning possible in your car.

Well, in this reading, we’ll explore what a car tie rod is, its functions, its diagram, and how it works.

Let’s Get Started!

What is a Tie Rod?

A tie rod or tie bar (also called a hanger rod if vertical) is a narrow structural unit used as a tie that can only handle tensile loads in most situations.

It is any rod or bar-shaped structural element used to keep two parts of a vehicle together.

The tie rod end is a component that all steering systems have that allows them to steer properly, despite the fact that there are many different types of steering systems, including rack and pinion steering and recirculating ball steering.

Tie rods in a car, truck, or SUV convert the steering force into rotational action, enabling an effective turn. Unfortunately, a car’s tie rods are mostly extensible, so as they get older, they need to be replaced.

Various symptoms that frequently appear make this wear obvious. If a driver is alert enough, they can spot these symptoms, which will enable them to quickly address the problem at hand.

Tie rods are positioned on each front wheel and connect the steering gear to the steering knuckle when you turn the steering wheel.

Simply put, without tie rods, you can’t steer your car. A car has two tie rod ends, one inner and one outer, normally presented on each side of the car.

For a four-tie rod ends, two on each side. Although tie rod ends are typically permanently lubricated, some, especially aftermarket ones, may contain Zerk fittings for re-greasing.

Functions

The function of a tie rod is to connect the steering rack to the steering knuckle. One of its functions is to help move your wheels when you steer and make turning possible in your car.

The tie rod in a car is a bar-shaped structural member designed to prevent the separation of two parts.

Diagram and Construction

A tie rod is constructed from an iron or steel rod, which enables it to serve as a structural tie in a car. Tie rods can go bad due to wear and tear or harsh road conditions. They often go bad or fail due to lack of lubrication.

Also, road hazards like potholes, bumps in the road, or hitting the curb too hard can shorten the life of tie rod ends.

Tie Rod

How Does a Tie Rod Work?

Tie rods help move your wheels when you steer and enable turning by acting as the pivot point between the steering rack, steering arm, and steering wheel.

Steering systems come in two varieties: recirculating ball or mechanical steering and rack-and-pinion steering.

The operation of a rack-and-pinion steering system is simple to understand. When you turn the steering wheel, a pinion gear attached to your steering shaft moves along the steering rack.

Both the rack and pinion system and the recirculating ball system utilise a tie rod to join the steering rack to the steering arm, which is attached to the steering wheel, despite the fact that their modes of operation are different.

A tie rod is a thin, cylindrical construction with two sections made of high-strength steel. They are made up of an inner tie rod and an outside tie rod end, and they cooperate to give you the best possible wheel control.

The steering rack is connected to the inner tie rod, which is composed of an inline ball joint, while the steering knuckle is connected to the outer tie rod.

The steering rack will move in reaction to wheel rotation because it is connected to both of the front wheels. The tie rods are responsible for transferring force from the steering rack to the steering arm and wheel movement.

Further, the recirculating ball or mechanical steering system is a little more intricate than the rack-and-pinion system. The gearbox is part of the mechanical system.

When you turn the wheel, your steering shaft engages multiple gears that regulate the pitman arm. Depending on how you steer, the pitman arm moves the steering rack.

The steering rack, like the rack-and-pinion system, is connected to the tie rods, which are then connected to the steering arms. Your steering system is connected to your wheels via tie rods.

Symptoms Of A Bad Tie Rod

If you experience the following symptoms of a bad tie rod, such as a vibrating steering wheel, poor vehicle alignment, uneven tire wear, unresponsive steering, knocking or clunking sound, and when the wheel feels loose when the car is jacked up, you should visit your mechanic as soon as possible.

1. Vibrating Steering Wheel

Your steering wheel vibrating or shaking is the sign of a damaged tie rod that you’re most likely to notice first. Additionally, clunking and rattling sounds could be heard, especially while the car is turning at a slow speed.

These sounds are caused by tie rods that are starting to wear out. They may begin to loosen and jiggle at the joints and connections as they deteriorate.

2. Poor Vehicle Alignment

When your steering wheel is in the middle, the tie rods help your car steer and drive straight. Bad tie rods will result in poor wheel alignment.

This bad alignment will cause a fatigue-inducing drive, which can cause your steering wheel to shake, your car to “pull” to one side, and the need to make regular, minute steering corrections.

3. Uneven Tire Wear

Another symptom of a bad tie rod is an uneven or excessive amount of tire wear. Perform a visual inspection on your tyres; if they show significant wear on one side but not as much wear on the other, it may indicate a failing tie rod.

If the tire wear is uniform, then that’s a positive sign. Schedule a visit with an experienced mechanic if you are concerned about uneven tire wear.

4. Unresponsive Steering

A high-quality car will typically have tight, responsive steering. Your steering wheel may feel slack, and your vehicle’s handling may suffer from worn tie rods.

A significantly larger dead zone where you can turn the wheel only a little bit before the car begins to turn may also be present, as well as excessive “play” in the wheel.

5. Knocking or Clunking Sound

Is your car making new odd noises? A knocking or clunking noise coming from the front of the car when turning at a low speed may be alerting you to a bad tie rod.

Tie rods rattle around at the joints and links when they get loose, resulting in the new sounds you’re hearing. Additionally, dirt and debris may enter the boot securing the tie rod joint if it sustains damage, causing a grinding noise while you steer.

6. The Wheel Feels Loose When The Car Is Jacked Up

You can quickly and easily test your car’s tie rods in your driveway if you’re not sure if they’re damaged and you have some time and the necessary tools.

You only need a jack. Simply raise your car’s front end into the air and reach out to grip the front tire. Position your hands at 3 and 9 o’clock and shake the wheel from side to side.

Then, place your hands at 6 and 12 o’clock, and shake the wheel again. Perform this test on the front wheel alone. If everything is in good shape, you shouldn’t be able to wobble the wheels other than turn them.

What Causes the Tie Rod to Break?

Even though there are several potential causes for a tie rod to break, normal wear and tear is the most frequent one.

Inner and outer tie rods, as well as other crucial front-end parts like ball joints, are put under a lot of strain during the course of a car’s lifetime. Lateral deterioration results from this.

Only when the tie rod ends of a vehicle are improperly lubricated does this wear and tear increase.

While some tie rod ends are adequately greased when they leave the manufacturer and are protected from additional usage, many others necessitate routine lubrication using a grease gun. The tendency is for wear to be hastened if these crucial joints aren’t greased.

Additionally, damage from front-end crashes or pothole strikes may befall a vehicle’s tie rods. In such circumstances, a tie rod frequently bends, seriously impairing alignment.

The problematic tie rod must be replaced before these alignment problems may be resolved.

Related: What Is A Four-Wheel Steering? Its Diagram And How it Works

How Much Does A Tie Rod Replacement Cost?

Replacement of a tie-rod typically costs between $200 and $500, though, in a few unusual cases, these expenses may wind up being much higher.

The majority of this cost is labour, which usually adds up to a total of 2-3 hours. An additional hour of labour is charged for the subsequent alignment.

A tie rod end typically costs between $30 and $100, which constitutes a minuscule fraction of the total repair cost. Tie rod ends that have been pre-lubricated and factory-sealed tend to be more expensive.

Before beginning repairs, it is crucial to consider your vehicle’s warranty because tie rod replacement can be rather expensive.

In some circumstances, particularly if a vehicle is relatively new, such repairs might be covered by a vehicle’s factory warranty coverage. That’s all for this article, where we discussed the possible symptoms of a bad tie rod. I hope it was helpful. If so, kindly share.

FAQs

What does a tie rod do?

Tie rods are critical parts of a car steering system that connect the steering rack to the steering knuckle. Tie rods not only help move your wheels when you steer but they make turning your vehicle possible. Simply put, without tie rods, steering your vehicle would be impossible.

What happens if tie rods are bad?

Worn tie rods can cause shaky front wheels, misaligned front tires, imprecise steering, and excessively worn tires. A broken tie rod would allow one tire to flop to the side, causing instant loss of steering and a crash if you are going fast enough. At least you will be wearing out your tires much faster than you should.

What does a broken tie rod sound like?

 

Can you drive a car with a broken tie rod?

You can typically continue to drive your vehicle on a worn tie rod, but if it fails completely, you’ll lose steering control and will likely need a tow to get you back home or to our service center for a repair.

How do I tell if a tie rod needs replacing?

How many tie rods does a car have?

most cars have two tie rods, one for each front wheel. These tie rods are located on either side of the steering rack and connect the steering knuckle to the steering gear. Each tie rod has an inner and outer tie rod end, making a total of four tie rod ends.

Share with others!

Leave a Comment