Table of content
Track Rod End: function, symptoms, and MOT fail
The track rod end – also known as a tie rod end – is a component of the car's steering system and is largely responsible for its function. In the event of a defect, the steering characteristics of the vehicle will deteriorate drastically and may even fail completely. Here we tell you how to carry out a diagnosis on the track rod end to find out if it is defective.
Function of the track rod end
The track rod end is mounted under the car, near the steering axle. It provides the connection between the track rod and the wheel. It is therefore a component of the steering system and extremely important for the safety of the car. However, it is not only a connecting element but also enables the adjustment of the alignment.
Things to know about wear on the track rod end
All parts of the steering system transmit large mechanical forces. The wheel makes contact with the ground; it also transmits shocks and vibrations to the track rod end. The part does not wear out directly, but it will eventually with long-term and frequent overloading. It then no longer has a firm connection to the wheel and will begin to rattle. A quick replacement with a new part is inevitable. You can prevent this wear and tear by avoiding driving too fast on damaged roads and paying attention to kerbs and other obstacles. This way, you can enjoy a long service life for your track rod ends and they will last for many miles, perhaps even longer than when you have to replace and buy tyres online.
-72%
FEBI BILSTEIN Rod Assembly
Front Axle Left, Front Axle Right, with nuts, with clamps, with steering bellow
Article number: 43780
RRP
£ 130,04
£ 35,40
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
Article number: 53647
£ 40,12
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-53%
LEMFÖRDER Rod Assembly
Front Axle Left, Front Axle Right, with accessories
Article number: 27090 01
RRP
£ 159,08
£ 73,61
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-52%
LEMFÖRDER Rod Assembly
Rear Axle Left, Rear Axle Right
Article number: 33590 01
RRP
£ 125,85
£ 60,25
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
Article number: 53174
£ 27,70
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
Symptoms of a defective or loose track rod end
You will notice a defective track rod end ball joint by a variety of symptoms. These often occur gradually and in varying degrees on each car. The most common signs include:
- Poorer driving feel, especially when steering the car
- Increased steering play
- Car pulls to one side when driving straight ahead
- A distinct, metallic sound when turning the wheel
- Banging or similar noises from the direction of the wheels on uneven road surfaces, e.g. cobblestones.
- Higher tyre wear
Problems and resulting damage
Defective track rod ends negatively affect driving safety. Due to the defect, steering movements are no longer transmitted smoothly, but jerkily. This leads to increased stress on the damaged track rod ends and other parts of the steering system and increases mechanical wear. If you drive with broken or loose track rod ends for a long time, you may have to buy a Ford Fiesta track rod end, change other parts, or purchase steering tools as well. The worst conceivable scenario is a breakage of the track rod end. This often leads to serious accidents, as the wheel in question can no longer be steered. therefore a legal problem arises. In the event of an accident, you may be the one blamed if you drive negligently with a car that isn’t in full working order. In addition, you will have problems with the MOT, as they inspect all parts of the chassis during the general inspection. In this case, you will not get a new sticker so make sure to replace any defective parts beforehand.
Changing the track rod end
You can replace the part on most cars yourself. The track rod end cost is relatively low and the time and effort required to change it are usually about one hour per side. Afterward, the wheels must be realigned if there was also a problem with their alignment.
A useful video on this topic:
4 SIGNS OF A WORN TIE-ROD END
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