What does a track rod do?

A track rod, also known as a tie rod, joins together the steering arms of your car wheels. The track rod ends are small ball joints that sit on the end of the track rod and connect them to the steering rack.

How long do track rods last?

The wear and tear of track rods depends on various factors such as a person's driving style, so there is no particular time frame for the life span of track rod ends.

How do you check track rods?

Track rods are checked during an MOT, so you should be well-informed of their health. However, if you have immediate concerns you can check the track rod yourself by giving it a wiggle to check for excess play. The track rod is located behind your front wheels.

Can you drive without a track rod end?

Track rod ends play a vital role in the steering system of a vehicle and you should avoid driving without them in place, as you could lose control of the steering.

Are tie rod ends easy to replace?

Replacing a tie rod end can be done easily by removing the front wheel with a wrench and a floor jack, locating and removing the existing tie rod end, and fitting a new one that is compatible with your vehicle. If you don't feel confident doing it yourself, always go to a professional who can do it for you.

Should you replace both tie rods at the same time?

To ensure proper steering and alignment, it is recommended to replace both tie rods at the same time. If they are fitted at the same time, it is more likely they will experience the same wear and tear, therefore needing to be replaced together.