Tie Rod End Replacement - DIY Repair!

The tie rod and the tie rod end on it are critical to precise and precise vehicle control. In this article, we will show you how to recognize a damaged tie rod end and how to replace it.

Damage to the tie rod end can affect driving safety and the feel of the car very quickly. Therefore, it is important to replace it quickly in order to maintain the driving performance of the car.

What is a tie rod end?

The tie rod end is an important component of a car . It ensures precise steering by the driver and transfers it to the wheels via the tie rod. If malfunctions or defects occur , in the worst case, the vehicle can no longer be controlled properly. Therefore, replacement is inevitable.

Tie rod ends are also always checked during a mandatory general inspection for maintenance. . In the event of wear or damage, the operating license may be denied. So every two years Tie rod ends are carefully checked by trained personnel.

Important: Tie rod ends can only be damaged or worn on one side. Although both should be checked during repairs, they can be replaced individually without any problems. Replacing the tie rod ends in pairs is not required.

Signs of a bad tie rod end

There are some signs of a defective tie rod end . This usually happens while driving. For this reason, you should drive your car regularly without listening to the radio or music and focus entirely on the sounds of your car driving.

Important symptoms of a problem include :
– distinctly audible metallic crackling when turning the car
; ...
– You can visually notice very high tire wear.

All of these symptoms point primarily to damage to the tie rod end. . In this case, it is extremely important to carry out repairs as soon as possible.

If you ignore these warning signs , in the worst case, this can lead to the separation of the tie rod end. This gap is the cause of many road traffic accidents around the world.

Replace the tie rod end yourself or contact the workshop?

With such important components, the question always arises whether it is possible to replace it yourself. .

Nevertheless , replacement of steering rods does not require special tools, but above all a little patience and a good contour. Total you can count on a time window of one hour for a replacement.

However, in case of difficulties such as rust, the process may take longer. However, it is impossible to completely avoid visiting the workshop. . After replacing the tie rod ends, it is necessary to carry out a wheel alignment to adjust the track. It usually costs from 60 to 130 euros if the work in a specialist workshop has been properly carried out.

These tools are required to replace

– Lifting platform or jack – torque wrench – Socket set for torque wrench - Set of wrenches – Rust remover or WD 40 – Chalk for marking – Sheet of paper and pen

Replacing the tie rod end step by step

– Jack up or raise the vehicle first. Now take off the wheel. – Prepare the tie rod end that is now accessible. – Apply a rust remover to the tie rod end nut. – Also apply a rust remover to the front of the tie rod end. – Loosen the tie rod end nut. – Mark the position of the tie rod end with chalk. – Turn the nut at the end of the tie rod back to the end of the tie rod. – Count the total turns of the nut and write them down. – Release the front part of the tie rod end from the bearing and also unscrew it. – Count again and note the full revolutions. – Install the new tie rod end on the tie rod. – Tighten it to a predetermined number of turns. – Press the new tie rod end into the bearing and secure it with the nut. – Now tighten the tie rod nut to the previously indicated number of turns. – Install the wheel and tighten it to the specified torque. – Raise the vehicle. - Bring the car to the wheel alignment.

Mistakes to avoid

This is important, even if the instructions for replacing the tie rod end now sound very meticulous and precise.

The better you perform when replacing a tie rod end , the less work and, therefore, the lower the cost of wheel alignment. The worse you work , the more the trace will be displaced, and the more time will have to be spent on its alignment.

For this reason also beneficial from a financial point of view, be a little more careful when replacing the tie rod end and follow the individual steps accurately.

Also important: Try not to skimp after replacing the tie rod end and do without the necessary alignment and adjustment in a specialized workshop. Without adjustment, it is impossible to drive the car correctly, nor to drive it safely in traffic, in the worst case. This can lead to serious accidents that endanger not only you, but also all other road users. Alignment is critical once all work has been completed on the tie rod and associated steering components.

Costs to Consider

If you do not wish to carry out the replacement yourself, you can also have this task carried out by a specialist workshop. . Here you can definitely influence the price if, for example, you already have new tie rod ends. Typically, depending on the condition of your vehicle, a specialist workshop will charge between 110 and 180 euros for a tie rod end replacement. The rustier the environment, the more difficult the replacement and the longer it will take you. Added to this is wheel adjustment, including track adjustment, which costs between 50 and 130 euros.

Is the tie rod end a wear part?

In fact , the tie rod end transmits the force from the tie rod to the steering arm when the steering wheel is turned.
He also serves to absorb road bumps.
But this means that the wear of the tie rod end depends on the driving style and the roads covered. For example, if you drive a lot on cobblestones, the tie rod ends are likely to wear out faster. Tie rod ends protected by their own rubber boots . It may also tear due to age or other circumstances. Thus, the tie rod end will be exposed to water and dirt, which can further accelerate wear.