Symptoms of a bad or broken hub link (drag and drop)

Common signs include poor handling, vehicle wandering or pulling left or right, steering wheel vibration, and uneven tire wear.

The center link is a suspension component found on many road vehicles equipped with steering gearbox suspension systems. This is the component that connects the steering gear to the linkage so that the vehicle can be steered and maneuvered when the steering wheel is turned. Because it is the central component that connects both wheels and tie rod ends to the transmission, it is a very important component that is critical to the vehicle's overall handling and safety performance. When a center link is damaged or worn, it usually causes several symptoms that can alert the driver to a potential problem that needs to be addressed.

1. Poor handling and car pull to the left or right

One of the first symptoms of a bad or failing brake link is poor vehicle handling. A loose or worn linkage will have play that can adversely affect the vehicle's steering. A bad center link can cause the car to pull to the side or pull to the left or right when driving on the road.

2. Vibrations on the steering wheel

Another sign of a bad or faulty brake link is excessive vibrations coming from the tie rod. A loose or worn brake link can create play that causes the steering wheel to vibrate as the vehicle moves forward. A more severely worn linkage will not only vibrate, but can also create noticeable noise and play in the steering wheel. Any vibration and play in the steering system is unfavorable and impairs vehicle controllability.

3. Uneven tire wear.

Uneven tire wear is another sign of a potential center link problem. If the center link has play or backlash, excessive suspension travel can cause uneven tire wear. Uneven tire wear can cause accelerated tire tread wear, which will shorten tire life.

Traction is an important component of steering and is critical to the overall handling and ride quality of a vehicle. For this reason, if you suspect that your vehicle may be experiencing a steering problem, see a professional technician, such as one from AvtoTachki, for a steering and suspension diagnostic to determine if your vehicle needs a linkage replacement.