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27 October 2023 Inner tie rod: failure symptoms and replacement cost
If your steering wheel is loose, vibrating or less responsive, don’t ignore the signs. Steering problems are unlikely to go away by themselves and could eventually cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
You may find that the culprit is a small metal link known as a tie rod. Keep reading to find out how to spot a faulty tie rod and fix it before the problem escalates.
What is an inner tie rod?
It is an overlooked yet essential part of a car’s steering system. The inner and outer rods are found at both ends of the front wheel axle and connect the steering knuckles to the steering rack, acting as pivot points between the steering gear, arm and wheel.
Inner tie rods, also known as inner track rods, are attached to the car power steering rack and the centre link of the vehicle. As the driver turns the steering wheel, the movement is transferred through the steering column to the rack. By linking key steering components together, the rods help the rack convert this rotational motion into linear movement and direct the wheels according to the driver’s input. In short, without these structural links, it wouldn’t be possible to turn the car.
-27%
FEBI BILSTEIN Rod Assembly
Front Axle Left, Front Axle Right, with nuts, with clamps, with bellow
Article number: 43780
compared to
RRP
£ 41,99
£ 30,52
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
Article number: 07041
£ 2,03
Price per item
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
Article number: 53607
£ 25,24
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-53%
FEBI BILSTEIN Rod Assembly
Front Axle Right, with nuts, with clamps, with bellow
Article number: 44342
compared to
RRP
£ 49,99
£ 23,24
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
RTS Rod Assembly
Front axle both sides
Article number: 94-08004
£ 26,23
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
They are typically made from high-strength steel and consist of an in-line ball joint with a threaded connection. The inner components work together with the outer components to ensure optimal wheel control. The length of the parts can be adjusted via an adjusting sleeve to ensure proper wheel alignment.
Bad inner tie rod symptoms to look out for
- Uneven or excessive tyre wear
As mentioned above, both the outer and inner components can affect wheel alignment. One of the most common signs of a broken inner tie rod end is poor wheel alignment on the front axle of the car, which usually results in uneven tyre wear.
Check the inner and outer edges of the tyre treads to see if there is excessive wear on one side. It’s important to note that there is more than one potential cause of uneven wear. We therefore recommend that you get a thorough diagnosis, which includes an inspection of the suspension.
- A vibrating or ‘loose’ steering wheel
If your steering wheel is vibrating excessively, it could indicate that there is too much play in the joints between the steering rack and knuckle due to wear, loose links or misalignment. The wheel may also feel loose or disconnected when you turn it, or even start to wander to the left or right.
This issue should be dealt with as soon as possible to prevent the vehicle from becoming uncontrollable.
- Clunking, squealing or knocking sounds
If the front inner tie rod gets damaged, it may produce clunking or knocking sounds as you turn the steering wheel. This usually occurs due to excessive play in the ball joint, causing it to make contact with other metal parts or the steering rack. The noise tends to be more pronounced at low speeds.
How much does an inner tie rod replacement cost?
In the UK, you can expect to pay between roughly £50 and £120 for a professional inner tie rod end replacement with labour costs included. The prices of these components vary depending on the year of manufacture and the make and model of the vehicle. For example, the average replacement cost for a BMW is around £100 compared to £85 for a Land Rover.
Purchasing your own aftermarket parts could save you money as the component’s themselves can cost less than £10 when you shop online. To find compatible parts search using relevant keywords, e.g. “Porsche 944 inner tie rod”, or the OEM number.
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