The steering and suspension system on your car is one of its most important and complex. The tie rods are a critical component of this system. A tie rod connects to both of your front wheels and enables steering. When they're in good shape, they give you smooth, responsive steering. This will cause the wheel to turn. Tie rods have two basic parts: the inner tie rod and the outer tie rod or the tie rod end.

This outer tie rod end connects with an adjusting sleeve, which allows the length of the tie rod to be adjustable. This adjustment is used to set a vehicle’s alignment angle. Though tie rod ends historically required regular lubrication, but this modern vehicle’s chassis is maintenance-free.

The outer section is most susceptible to wear and failure. When they fail, however, they can throw off the car’s alignment, cause premature tire wear or, in the worst cases, separate and cause a loss of control.