Should I Replace Both the Inner and Outer Tie Rods?

When your tie rods go bad, you may want to change them, but you might wonder if you should replace the inner and outer ones.

We consulted experts in this field and here is what they had to say. It is not necessary to change the inner and outer ties rod at once.

If you want to change an inner tie rod and the outer one is still on the original, it is better to do it together. The outer tie rod needs to be removed before the inner rod can be changed.

When tie rods are faulty, they should be replaced as soon as possible. Information on how inner and outer tie rods can be replaced and signs that they may be faulty should be read.

What Are Tie Rods?

The steering wheel and front floor wheels of the car are connected by tie rods.

They are a two-part device system consisting of the inner and outer tie rods, which have different functions but come together to connect or tie the steering gear and the front floor wheels together.

If there is a problem with the tie rods, the vehicle could have poor steering control, which is very dangerous for drivers.

An immediate replacement of the tie rod is required in such a situation.

Do I Need To Replace Both the Inner And Outer Tie Rods?

If only one of the tie rods is faulty, you may not need to replace both tie rods at the same time.

If there is a bad outer tie rod and a bad inner tie rod, a mechanic may advise you to replace them both. The outer tie rod can’t be removed without the inner tie rod is taken out.

The outer tie rod is located on the other side. When work needs to be done on them, it is their access point.

If the interior is the only one that is malfunctioning, you will need to change the tie rods.

Compatibility is one of the reasons, as you would want both of the rods to be able to work together.

It is more difficult to find an inner tie rod that fits perfectly into your outer rod than it is to find an outer tie rod that fits perfectly with your inner rod.

You should change the inner and outer tie rods when the inner one is malfunctioning. If one of the rods is malfunctioning, you have the option of replacing it.

This might not be an economical option, but it will give you peace of mind that you will have functioning rods in your car.

How To Replace Tie Rod Ends?

The skills of a professional mechanic are required when replacing a tie rod or tie rods. Follow these steps if you decide to give it a try yourself.

• The car’s front tires should be loosened after parking on level ground.
• The car should be lifted with a safety jack.
• The front tires should be removed by removing all of the nuts.
• Turn the steering in the right direction, and push out the tie rod.
• Take the old tie rod out of the way.
• To install the new rod, you need to screw it in.
• Finally, put the tires on again.

This is a fairly technical job and you should only do it if you have the right tools and know-how. If the tire rods detach while you’re driving, there can be accidents.

We advise you to go to a mechanic as much as you can. You might save a few bucks at the beginning, but it could cost you more in the long run.

How Often Do I Need To Replace Inner And Outer Tie Rods?

There isn’t a specific time when to change your tie rods. You can check the tie rods for damage, which is an easy-to-do task if you notice some signs that they are bad.

To check the rods, you need to lift the car and take the front wheel out.

To check the inner tie rod at the driver’s side, you need to turn the wheels to the right and then to the left. There are a few signs that you need to change your tie rods.

Vibrations

Your tie rods may be faulty if you notice that your vehicle is vibrating.

The tires shake when the steering fails to control the wheels. As you increase or decrease your speed, the vibrations will increase.

Unsteady Steering Wheel

This is the initial sign that a tie rod is malfunctioning. The steering begins to lose control of the wheels.

It is possible that the steering will become unresponsive. When you try to turn your wheel, you may notice it.

Bad Tires

The wear pattern on your tires can be affected if the tie rods on your vehicle are loose or damaged. Failing rods, loose rods, or faulty tires can cause them to toe out.

The inner tire treads might go bad faster if you use a car with toe-out tires. Tie rods affect a vehicle’s alignment much more than tire wear.

Poor Alignment

Chances are you have a bad tie rod if you notice your car pulling or drifting to one side. Your vehicle could lose alignment if the tie rods stop working.

It would take a set of tie rods to have your vehicle aligned. It is nearly impossible to align tie rods that are loose or worn out. That is why it needs to be prepared quickly.

What Is the Cost to Replace a Tie Rod?

Depending on your vehicle, the average cost of a tie rod is between $45 and $125.

The inner rod is more expensive than the outer one, so you’ll have to replace it for about $47 to $87. The replacement cost could be in the range of $92 to $212.

Are Inner Tie Rods The Same As The Outer Ones?

The rods are not the same as one another. The inner tie rod is joined to the outer tie rod differently.

The steering gear assembly and steering rack are connected to the inner tie rod and the front floor wheel’s spindle is connected to the outer tie rod.

Tie Rod maintenance

The tie rods are supposed to last a long time. Tie rods can remain effective throughout the lifespan of your vehicle, as we said earlier.

The lifespan of your tie rods can be determined by how you use them.

After a couple of years, if you don’t lubricate the tie rods frequently, they may get stiff and rusty. They may be able to break from the curbs and potholes.

Can A Tie Rod Break While Driving?

There is a very small chance of a tie rod breaking while driving. Tie rods are designed for high flexibility and are resistant to shock from curb dips.

A faulty tie rod can break while you’re driving, as it may be stiff and unable to resist the dips and curves that it was designed for.

Conclusion

It’s a good idea to have your tie rods checked at least once a year. If your tie rod is bad, you can either replace it with a better one or keep it.

As it comes with the benefits of safety assurance, you should consider changing the inner and outer tie rods.