What Do Tie Rods Do?

For those who aren’t familiar with the complex mechanics and inner workings of vehicles, mechanic lingo can be confusing to say the least.

Because when our mechanic shares with us any newfound issues, they typically refer to specific parts, and what the defect or malfunction is.

However, for those who don’t know what, say, a tie rod is, it can leave you in the lurch. So, what do tie rods do anyways? That’s what we’ll be covering in today’s blog post.

What Are Tie Rods for on a Car?

We’ll explain what role the tie rods play in keeping your vehicle on the road. We’ll also get into what to do if you need new tie rods on an aging vehicle.

More Cash For Scrap has been scrapping cars for MORE cash across Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley since 2005.

Our blog posts offer solutions to common problems, insight into what to do about those problems and why they happen, and what to do if repairing them isn’t a practical resolution.

What Do Tie Rods Do On a Car?

Tie rods are critical components in a vehicle’s steering and suspension system, serving as the vital link between the steering rack and the steering knuckle on each front wheel. Their primary function is to transmit force from the steering center to the wheels, enabling the driver to control the direction of the vehicle.

When the steering wheel is turned, the motion is transferred through the steering column to the rack and pinion or steering gearbox, which then pushes or pulls the tie rods. These rods, in turn, pivot the wheels left or right, allowing for precise directional control.

Tie rods consist of two main parts: the inner tie rod, which connects to the steering rack, and the outer tie rod, which connects to the steering knuckle. The outer tie rod end typically includes a ball joint that allows for smooth movement and flexibility as the suspension travels over uneven terrain.

How to Know If Your Tie Rods Need Replacing

Much like any mechanical failure, when tie rods start to go, they leave key indicators. So, knowing the signs and symptoms that your tie rods are failing is imperative.

Most mechanics will check your tie rods during routine maintenance like wheel alignments, tire changes, or brake replacement or repair. However, if your vehicle doesn’t go to the shop as much as it should, it can be easy to overlook.

Signs of a Bad Tie Rod Include:

1. Uneven Tire Wear

Uneven tire wear can also signal other issues like bad struts or shocks, or an improperly performed wheel alignment.

So, if the only sign you notice is uneven tread on your tires, have a mechanic, like our friends at Midas on 104th Avenue, check your vehicle’s wheel alignment and suspension system.

Suspension issues are common on aging vehicles or vehicles with high mileage. And we buy MORE scrap cars with suspension issues than any other scrap car buyer in Surrey or Metro Vancouver.

2. Excessive Steering Wheel Movement

Some of you might remember what life was like prior to power steering. You’d turn the wheel multiple times, only to get a small lackluster radius turn out of it.

However, nowadays the wheel should only move as much as you intend it too. But if you find that your steering has a little (or a lot) of excess play when turning, it could be a sign that your tie rods are on their way out.

Moreover, if you experience wiggling, shaking, or any unusual vibration while driving or braking, have a professional assess your car. It could be tie rod related, or it could be signaling a larger problem involving your brake system.

3. Clunking Noises When Turning

Anyone who drives an older vehicle or one with high mileage knows that unusual sounds are just part of their charm… Until they’re not. Which is the case when your tie rods are failing.

If your tie rods are on their way out, you’ll typically notice clunking when turning in a specific direction.

It might also be worse when turn over a bump (like speed bumps in a parking lot), or when driving up hill and around a bend (like the many winding roads in Belcarra or North Vancouver).

4. Your Car Pulls to One Side

If you’re driving an older vehicle on a daily basis in Metro Vancouver, it surely takes a beating. Because between stop-and-go traffic, spontaneous roundabouts, and plenty of unexpected bouts of construction, our cars really do deal with a lot of physical wear.

And although getting a wheel alignment done from time to time is part of routine maintenance on any vehicle (especially after brake or suspension work), your wheels being out of alignment can indicate that your tie rods are failing.

Your vehicle pulling to one side or the other can also suggest that you have an issue with your tires, with your braking system, or even damage to one of your wheels.

So, if you’re experiencing any of the above issues along with steering that tugs to one side, you’ll want to get your vehicle inspected as soon as you can.

What Happens When Tie Rods Fail on a Car?

Proper alignment of tie rods is essential for maintaining accurate steering and even tire wear. If tie rods become worn or damaged, symptoms may include loose or unresponsive steering, uneven tire wear, or clunking noises when turning.

In severe cases, a failed tie rod can cause a complete loss of steering control, posing a serious safety risk. Regular inspection and timely replacement are crucial to ensure vehicle safety and performance.

Overall, tie rods play a massive role in keeping your vehicle stable, responsive, and safe on the road. Without them, steering would be impossible, and driving would be dangerously unpredictable.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace Tie Rods on a Car?

Tie rods are a critical repair, but they don’t come with a price tag that reflects that typically.

It really depends on the type of vehicle you drive, what other neighbouring components need replacing, and the wheel alignment that is required after servicing.

The average cost to replace tie rods on a car in Canada is between $200 – $500. However, it depends mostly on the make and model of vehicle that you drive. Newer vehicles, luxury vehicles, or trucks and 4×4’s can cost upwards of $750 – $900 for a complete replacement.

Additionally, inner tie rods tend to be more expensive than outer rods. And when the replacement is needed on a vehicle that is 15-20 years of age (or one with high mileage), it’s not always practical to do the repairs.

Cash for Cars with Bad Tie Rods in Vancouver

We are a professional scrap car removal company that has been buying scrap cars throughout Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley since 2005.

And we know that even though a vehicle might look great on the outside, it can be riddled with mechanical defects that are only noticed when behind the wheel. Which is why we pay MORE cash for scrap cars in ANY condition in British Columbia.

If you have a commuter car or daily driver that needs serious brake work, suspension repairs, or tie rod replacements that simply aren’t realistic, give us a call. Our scrap car buyers can provide you with an instant cash offer right over the phone.

How Much Can I Sell My Car for in Vancouver?

Getting an instant cash offer on any junk vehicle is simple when you contact More Cash For Scrap. A call, text, or email is all that is needed to provide you with a quote.

Let us know the make, model, year, condition, mileage, and location of your vehicle. Also, if there are any known mechanical or electrical problems, advise us of that too.

Once we have all of this information, we’ll make you an instant cash offer right over the phone (or by text). If you accept the offer, we’ll arrange a day and time to pick up your scrap car.

Our services are available 7 days a week, from 7:00 AM-11:00 PM. So, if you want to scrap your car for MORE cash in Metro Vancouver or the Fraser Valley, scrap it with More Cash For Scrap. We always offer MORE!