PROPER CARE
Checking Your Tie Rods
*MEDIUM*
Test the integrity of your steering linkage occasionally with the following procedure:
- Park the vehicle on level ground with the engine OFF, the parking brake engaged, and the transmission in PARK (for automatic) or REVERSE (for manual). Make sure the tires are properly inflated.
- Elevate the vehicle front end on safety stands. Wheel ramps cannot be used because all weight must be removed from the tires.
- Grab each front tire by the sides (treads) and try to steer them by hand. The tires should move in unison. Try to shake the tire quickly, right then left. No clicking noise should be heard. If a clicking noise is heard, crawl under the front of the car and identify the tie rod and steering gear box using your owner's manual. Wear gloves and a long sleeve shirt so as not to burn yourself on any components, especially from the exhaust system. Also wear eye protection so foreign particles like undercar dirt do not enter your eye.
- Grab the tie rod and try to shake it. It should not move or be bent. If the tie rod moves a lot or is loose, inspect the ball sockets (joints) in the tie rod ends for wear and replace them if necessary. It may be necessary to adjust the length of the tie rod as well. Examine the other tie rod as well. The steering gear box should not be loose either.
- Remove the safety stands. Have the suspension repaired if necessary.
Because of the special tools and skill required to adjust and repair steering linkage components such as tie rods, any such procedures should always be performed by a professional automotive technician.
