When driving on uneven surfaces, you may notice your car has worn out tires more quickly than the others around you. Some drivers even think the tie rods might be bad and cause it.
However, before buying a replacement set of tie rods, you must understand the symptoms and the general theory behind what is happening.
So could it be caused by a bad tie rod? Can bad tie rods cause uneven tire wear?
While it is possible that a bad tie rod could cause uneven tire wear, there are other reasons your tire will wear unevenly.
In this blog post, we’ll examine the connection between a tie rod and tire wear, the symptoms of wear and tear, and the potential consequences of driving with a bad tie rod.
Also Read: Can Bad Shocks Cause Uneven Tire Wear? [Plus 6 Key SYMPTOMS]
Can Bad Tie Rods Cause Uneven Tire Wear?
Yes, bad tie rods could cause uneven tire wear. Tie rods control the wheel location and movement of the car, so it is normal for the tie rods to become worn out over time and cause a car to shake or feel unstable. This can happen because the tie rod rubber wears out first.
The rubber part is where you would put a wrench on it to tighten or loosen the bolts. The rubber gets softer as it ages and eventually becomes too soft to hold up to friction from each pedal stroke or turn of the steering wheel.
At this point, the tie rods become loose and cause the car to shake. When the tie rods are loose and not moving the wheels to line up, uneven wear occurs on the tires.
The tie rods can cause uneven tire wear if not adjusted properly. If a driver consistently turns the steering wheel in one direction or turns it too hard, it will cause uneven tire wear on one side of each tire.
The other potential reason for uneven tire wear is if your tires are bent or warped.
Symptoms of Bad Inner Tie Rod
The inner tie rod is responsible for connecting the steering gear to the steering knuckle, allowing for controlled steering of the vehicle.
When one or both tie rods become worn out, it causes the car to shake and can interfere with normal driving. The shaken feeling could be experienced when you first sit in your car.
However, the shaking will be more severe if the tires are worn beyond a certain point. If the tires are not worn evenly, uneven tire wear will occur on only one side of each tire for every turn of the steering wheel, acceleration, or braking.
Here are other symptoms of a bad inner tie rod:
- Loose steering: A worn inner tie rod can cause play in the steering, resulting in loose or imprecise steering. The steering may feel less responsive or require more effort to turn the wheels.
- Steering wheel vibration: A worn inner tie rod can also cause a steering wheel vibration. The steering wheel may feel this vibration when driving at high speeds.
Symptoms of Bad Outer Tie Rod
The outer tie rod is responsible for controlling the movement of the wheels. You may want to check your outer tie rods if you notice vibration and shaking while driving.
Sudden steering wheel vibrations occur when the outer tie rods are loose or worn out. When the outer tie rods become loose or worn out, it causes the drive wheels to shake and move uncontrollably. When you turn the steering wheel, this causes uneven tire wear.
Driving With a Bad Tie Rod
Driving with a bad tie rod can cause serious damage to your vehicle. As the tie rod wears out, it can make the car more difficult to steer.
This could mean you’d have to put more effort into turning, which will increase your tire wear.
An unevenly worn tire could lead to an accident, not to mention you won’t be able to control the steering wheel correctly and may experience a sudden turn of your car as you take corners or attempt to stop at high speeds.
Additionally, driving with a bad tie rod can cause further damage to other steering and suspension components, resulting in more costly repairs.
If you suspect that you have a bad tie rod, it’s important to get it inspected and replaced as soon as possible.
Should You Replace Tie Rods in Pairs?
Yes, it is generally recommended to replace tie rods in pairs. Tie rods are part of your vehicle’s steering system and are responsible for helping to keep your wheels properly aligned.
If one tie rod has failed or is showing signs of wear, it is likely that the other tie rod is also worn and may need to be replaced soon.
Replacing both tie rods simultaneously can help prevent future issues and ensure that both sides of your vehicle are properly aligned.
This can help to improve handling, reduce tire wear, and prevent further damage to your vehicle’s steering and suspension components.
Additionally, replacing tie rods in pairs can save you time and money in the long run. If you only replace one tie rod and the other fails soon after, you may need to pay for another repair and alignment.
By replacing both tie rods at the same time, you can help to prevent these additional expenses.
Can a Bad Tie Rod Cause Tire Wear?
Yes, a bad tie rod can cause tire wear, specifically on the inner or outer edges of the tire, depending on which tie rod is affected. A bad tie rod can cause the wheels to become misaligned, resulting in uneven tire wear.
It’s important to have your tie rods and other steering and suspension components inspected regularly to prevent premature tire wear and ensure the safe operation of your vehicle.
Conclusion
So Can bad tie rods cause uneven tire wear? Yes, it is common for a bad tie rod to cause uneven tire wear.
If you notice that your car is shaking or feel the vibration from the steering wheel when driving, check the tie rods to determine whether one or both are bad.
If one or both tie rods are worn out, it may be time for a replacement. Replacing them before they break will help prevent further damage to your vehicle and its components.
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I am passionate about all things automotive and have a deep understanding of the topic. As a mechanic, I use my free time to share knowledge of everyday challenges that any car owner can experience – helping you make informed decisions about tires.