Want to know how to tell if a tie rod is bad?
Driving a Clermont Toyota is a lot of work and there’s a lot more to it than just the steering wheel, brakes, and an accelerator. One of the big moving parts of driving a car is a tie rod. With that, our customers frequently ask us how to tell if a tie rod is bad. So our Clermont Toyota auto service experts are here to answer that today. Let’s get into it.
What is a tie rod?
One of the most critical components of your vehicle’s steering system are tie rods. Tie rods connect the steering rack to the steering knuckle. To dumb it down, they make your steering wheel turn as much as it can. Let’s get into what a tie rod does before we get into how to tell if a tie rod is bad.
What does a tie rod do?
If you were wondering what a tie rod does – let our Clermont Toyota auto service experts answer that. Tie rods help you have a smooth steer when you make those U-turns when you miss your turn. So first, they’re what makes you turn your steering wheel. Second, tie rods also help with front-end alignment – which makes sure that your car’s tires are positioned correctly. Finally, tie rods also work with the tires and car legs to maintain driving comfort and safety. So, with that being said, you’ll definitely want to know how to tell if a tie rod is bad. Let’s get into it.
How to tell if a tie rod is bad
Now that you know what a tie rod is, you’ll need to know how to tell if a tie rod is bad. Tie rods are bound to get bad the more you use your steering system. Our Clermont Toyota auto service experts are Making it Simple™️ for you to understand by breaking it down into a list. Let’s get into it.
- Uneven tire wear: If your tires are showing excessive wear on one tire and not the other, this means that your tie rods are not working properly.
- Front end out of alignment: If you feel that your Clermont Toyota is not handling properly, you should stop by our service center. Consulting with a qualified technician to see if your tie rod is bad is the safest bet.
- Vibration or looseness in the steering wheel: This is self-explanatory, if you feel constant vibration or looseness in your steering wheel – get it checked.
- Knocking or clunking sound: If you hear knocking or clunking in your car when you accelerate or turn then your tie rods are no good.
Stop by Toyota of Clermont
Now you know how to tell if a tie rod is bad. If you have more questions about tie rods, talk to one of our Clermont Toyota auto service experts. If you would like to stop by and talk about it in person you can visit Toyota of Clermont. We’re just off the Florida Turnpike at 16851 State Road 50, Clermont, FL, 34711. We are open conveniently seven days a week. If you notice that your tie rods are acting funky, call us and get your car’s service scheduled at 352-404-7001.