Tie Rod Ends Service Video

Tie rod ends are the pivoting joints that connect your steering rack to the front wheels. When you turn the steering wheel, force travels through the rack to the tie rods and pushes each wheel left or right in unison.

This video shows where the inner and outer tie rod ends are located on the front suspension. It also explains how their ball-and-socket joints allow the wheels to steer while moving over bumps. A grease-packed housing keeps the joint tight and quiet under load.

Worn tie rod ends usually give warning before they fail. A clunking noise over bumps, loose or wandering steering, and uneven tire wear along the inner or outer edges may indicate a worn tie rod joint. You may also notice steering wheel vibration at highway speeds.

Rural county roads and rough pavement around Cape Girardeau put repeated stress on tie rod joints. Over time, these constant impacts can wear down the ball-and-socket joints, causing noticeable looseness. At Parks Automotive, we check each tie rod joint by hand for excessive movement and inspect the tires for uneven wear. We then determine whether the inner tie rod, outer tie rod end, or both need attention.

When inspection confirms wear, we schedule a front-end inspection through our suspension, steering, and wheel services to cover the full repair scope. Drivers from Jackson and Scott City bring their vehicles to us for steering and suspension work.

If your steering feels loose or you notice uneven tire wear, call Parks Automotive at (573) 335-2599. You can also visit your local mechanic in Cape Girardeau County to have your tie rods inspected before the looseness gets worse.