5 Signs of Failing Tie Rods in Houston, Texas
Tie rods play an important role in a vehicle's steering system. They're a type of ball joint that connects the steering knuckle on your wheel to the steering rack, which allows you to turn the wheels. When you bring your car in for an alignment, the technician working on your car will inspect the camber, caster, and toe, and the tie rods are the primary part that will be adjusted if the toe needs alignment.
If a tie rod fails, you could lose the ability to steer your car. The good news is that a failing tie rod will typically show some symptoms before it fails completely. If you notice any of these, it's best to have your Volkswagen inspected. While it's important to always look out for these symptoms, they're especially likely to crop up after you hit a pothole or a curb, so pay extra attention then.
5. Uneven Tire Wear
Your tires should wear down evenly, so be sure to check them regularly. If you notice that the inside or outside edge of a tire is wearing down much faster than the others, it's likely that you have a suspension problem. This doesn't necessarily mean that it's the tie rods, since it could be other parts of the suspension. But it could be due to failing tie rod ends, and any suspension problem should be looked at immediately.
4. Steering Wheel Trouble
Since the tie rods serve to connect the steering system and the wheel that's being turned, the steering wheel may also be affected. Most likely, this will come in the form of a steering wheel with extra play. If you've ever driven an older car with a worn steering box, you may recognize this. It's when you're driving straight down the road and can turn the steering wheel slightly in either direction without the vehicle's direction responding. While this might not seem like a big deal, it's a common symptom of larger problems, and even dangers, waiting down the road.
3. Your Car Wanders in the Lane
If you've ever had a misaligned vehicle, you may find this feels similar, but there's a noticeable difference. In a poorly aligned car, there's typically a constant pull to one side or the other. In a car with worn-out tie rods, you're more likely to notice that your vehicle wanders back and forth in the lane when you're driving straight. Whether you notice wandering or a pull, an alignment check is usually the best place to start. If the tie rods are the cause of the problem, a certified technician like those in our VW service center will catch it.
2. A Knocking or Popping Sound
A popping, knocking, or clunking sound coming from the front of the vehicle when you turn the wheel is one of the most common symptoms of a bad tie rod. Since the tie rods are responsible for turning the car's wheels when you turn the steering wheel, this is when you're most likely to hear the noise. Other clunking from the vehicle's front could be due to other failing components, so any unusual noises should be checked out immediately.
1. A Loose Tie Rod
Yes, this one might seem obvious, but it's a component that you can actually check for yourself. When your car is parked and safely secured, find the outer tie rod and grab onto it. Try to move it or twist it by hand; if it feels loose, schedule your service appointment right away. Do note, however, that this only applies to the outer tie rod. The inner tie rod is not as easy to tell whether it's loose.
