All the various bits and pieces of the suspension and steering system under the hood of your car have one thing in common: if they fail or start to wear out, the quality of your drive will be affected. The tie rods are one key component. They help connect the wheels and the steering knuckle to the rest of the steering rack. Some of the symptoms you might notice on your car when the tie rods go bad can be found below, but take note that these symptoms can be caused by other nearby components too such as ball joints, CV axles and struts. Even worn or improperly balanced tires can lead to similar problems. When you have questions, get the answers you need from Capitol Chevrolet -- either here on our site, or in-person at our service department.
 Sign Of Bad Tie Rods #1: Wandering, Loose Steering
If your tie rods are worn, they may become loose and introduce some "play" into the steering system. This can cause your vehicle's handling to feel somewhat loose. You may be able to wiggle the steering wheel excessively without turning the vehicle, or the vehicle may seem to drift or wander about in its lane. Steering problems of this nature can even compromise your safety, so be sure to have this problem looked at right away. Other problems like misaligned wheels can also cause a wandering feeling in the steering wheel, but the tie rods are a prime suspect.
 Sign Of Bad Tie Rods #2: Steering Wheel Shakes
Once play has been introduced into the steering system, the steering wheel may vibrate or shake uncomfortably as you drive. This is a sure sign that some aspect of your vehicle's suspension, steering, alignment or wheel balance is off and needs to be adjusted. Commonly, your tie rods have started to wear out and simply need to be replaced with new ones.
Sign Of Bad Tie Rods #3: Accelerated Tire Wear
When tie rods go bad, that usually affects the steering geometry of the vehicle such that your wheels will become misaligned. Properly aligned wheels are designed for both the smoothest and quietest drive but also the most predictable handling and the longest life from your tires. Misaligned wheels will be constantly fighting slightly against the direction the vehicle is traveling -- leading to more rapid tire wear. For the longest life from your tires, make sure to have your vehicle's steering system professionally aligned and regularly checked thereafter. In some cases, worn tie rods will need to be replaced before proper alignment can be achieved.
 Sign Of Bad Tie Rods #4: Clunking & Rattling Noises From Suspension
If there's something loose in the suspension and steering system of your vehicle, you might hear various clunking, bumping and tapping noises coming from under the vehicle as you drive. These noises may be persistent, or might happen only when you go over bumps, accelerate or turn. Unfortunately, just turning up the stereo isn't a good long-term solution. Find out what's wrong on your car with help from the pros at Capitol Chevrolet. With a little care, we can keep your vehicle's steering and suspension in great shape, so your vehicle lasts longer and drives better.
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2855 Maple Ave Ne
2855 Maple Ave Ne
Salem, OR 97301
- Contact: (503) 877-2943