If you purchase a product through one of our links, Drive and its partners may receive a commission. read more.

Depending on your identity, the speed at which your car goes from a standstill to a quarter mile straight may be the truly important thing in this world. But keeping in line is never our business, because we always like to deviate from the road to find our own fun ideas. When it comes to cars, it means turning hard and hard on the most rugged roads we can find.

The steering wheel transmits power to the driver's hands, but it is a pile of linkage mechanisms, gears and arms underneath to complete the work. Tie rods are an important part of the vehicle's steering system, and when they start to deteriorate, you will feel the difference. The bad tie rod should be resolved immediately, fortunately, this is not a very difficult job!

The top editors of The Drive have handled countless mentoring tasks, and we hope to pass on this knowledge and experience to our readers. Use the guide below to learn how to remove and replace the end of your tie rod.

The tie rod is a mechanical part that connects your steering gear to your steering knuckle. They are composed of two parts, an inner end and an outer end, which are connected to each other and can be adjusted in the middle. There is a ball joint at each end, so each tie rod has two ball joints.

Each tie rod has two ends, one inside and one outside. The inner tie rod end is connected to the steering, and the outer tie rod end is connected to the steering knuckle.

Here are some symptoms you may experience.

Some tie rod ends use lock nuts with pins, as shown in the figure.

When your wheels are still on the car, the inspection will be the easiest. Lift the wheel and shake it back and forth with both hands on both sides of the wheel. If you notice pops or clicks, it may be a lever. Use a friend and a flashlight to double check and find out the source of the noise, because other malfunctioning components may produce similar noise and symptoms.

Working in your car can be dangerous and messy, so this is exactly what you need to make sure you don’t die, maimed or lose your fingers, and keep your jeans, shirts, and skin (hopefully) spotless.

We are not psychics and will not spy on your toolbox or garage, so this is exactly what you need to get your job done.

Organize your tools and equipment so that everything is within reach, which will save precious time, waiting for your dexterous child or four-legged assistant to bring you sandpaper or blowtorch. (This job does not require a blowtorch. Please do not let your child pass you a blowtorch—Ed.)

You also need a flat work space, such as a garage floor, driveway, or a well-ventilated street parking lot. Check your local laws to make sure you are not violating any regulations when using the streets, because we will not let your journey out of trouble.

This is what the internal tie rod puller tool looks like. 

Suppose we are removing the front driver's side lever. Let's start!

When installing new parts, you should pay attention to some things. 

Although The Drive likes to let "you" do it yourself, we know that not everyone has the right tools, a safe working space, free time, or the confidence to solve major car maintenance problems. Sometimes, you only need professionals you can trust (such as our partners, Goodyear Tire and service company certified mechanics) to perform high-quality repair work.

Knowing the symptoms of poor tie rod ends will help you in the future.

You have a question, the drive has an answer!

A. In this case, the ball joint is part of the suspension system and the tie rod is part of the steering system. 

A. Yes, so we do not recommend driving with a bad tie rod end. 

A. Any components connected to the wheels of the vehicle are dealing with a lot of movement and relentless beating. Over time, these shocks can wear the ends of the tie rods and cause them to deteriorate. Pollution can further promote this.

A. The price of the end of the trolley varies from vehicle to vehicle. Some single outer tie rod ends may cost $10-15, while others may cost three digits. However, yours may be very cheap, so even if the tie rods are only old and worn, but not completely broken, there is no harm in replacing them. 

A. It usually makes a popping, clinking or knocking sound.

We are here for all How-To related expert guides. Use us, praise us, yell at us. Leave a comment below and let's talk! You can also yell at us on Twitter or Instagram, this is our profile.

Jonathan Klein: Twitter (@jonathon.klein), Instagram (@jonathon_klein)

Tony Markovic: Twitter (@T_Marko), Instagram (@t_marko)

Chris Teague: Twitter (@TeagueDrives), Instagram (@TeagueDrives)

ARES Front End Service Kit for tie rods and ball joints

OEM tool master inner rod tool set

Powerbuilt inner tie rod kit

Orion Motor Tech 5-Piece Pickle Fork Tool Set

Is there a problem? Are there any professional tips? Leave us a message: guidesandgar@thedrive.com

Sign up for our newsletter

Send technology, performance and design to your inbox.

© Brookline Media Inc. All rights reserved.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program that aims to provide us with a way to earn money by linking to Amazon.com and affiliate sites.