Tie Rod End Replacement
Also called steering rod end change
Tie rod ends are the small ball joints at each end of the steering linkage. When they wear, steering develops slack, the wheel no longer centres properly, and the front tyres scrub because the toe angle wanders as you drive. Replacement removes the slack. It does not fix heaviness in the steering, a leaking rack or a vibration caused by wheel balance, and alignment must always follow because toe is disturbed.
Signs you need this
- Play in the steering before the wheels respond
- Steering wheel not straight when driving straight
- Front tyres feathered or worn on one edge
- Rattle or knock felt through the steering over rough road
- Car drifts and needs constant small corrections
Not all of these have to be present, and one of them on its own can mean something else entirely. That is what the diagnosis is for.
What the job includes
- Play check on inner and outer tie rod ends
- Steering rack boot inspection while checking the inner joints
- Replacement of the worn outer or inner tie rod ends
- Approximate toe set on removal so alignment starts close
- Locknuts tightened and boots secured correctly
- Wheel alignment after fitting
How we do it
Check the joints
Inner and outer joints are gripped and moved with the wheels on the ground and raised to find play.
Mark the position
The old end is marked and counted off the thread so the new one starts near the correct setting.
Fit the replacement
The new joint is fitted, locknut tightened, boot secured and the steering moved through its full travel.
Set the alignment
Toe is measured and set on alignment equipment, because a rough setting will destroy front tyres quickly.
How we work
The same on every job, which is why we can write it down.
Diagnosis before quote
We find the fault first. A price given over the phone for a noise nobody has heard is a guess.
The price is agreed first
You approve the work and the cost before a spanner is picked up. Extra work means another call.
Parts you can check
We tell you whether a part is genuine, OEM, aftermarket or used, and what each one costs.
Old parts returned
Ask and we will hand back whatever we replaced. It is the simplest proof that the job was done.
Book tie rod end replacement
Fill this in and a person will call you back to confirm the time and the price. Only your name and one way to reach you are required.
You send this
Takes a minute. No payment, no obligation.
We call you
To confirm the car, the time and the location.
Tell us the car and the symptom
We will arrange a mechanic at your location, or a slot at the nearest workshop. No payment until the price is agreed.