What Are Tie Rod Ends and Ball Joints? Symptoms of Wear

Tie rod ends and ball joints are among the most heavily loaded parts of the front end. Play in these parts directly affects both driving safety and the alignment.

Tie rod end

The tie rod end is the link that transmits movement from the steering rack to the wheel. Toe is adjusted at the tie rod end.

Ball joint

The ball joint is the spherical joint connecting the control arm to the wheel carrier. It allows the wheel to move up and down as well as turn.

Symptoms of wear

• Knocking over bumps and on rough roads
• Play or a vague feeling in the steering
• Uneven tyre wear
• Alignment that drifts quickly
• Vibration or pulling under braking

Alignment after replacement

Replacing a tie rod end or ball joint changes the wheel angles, so a wheel alignment must always be carried out afterwards. We identify play with a front-end inspection.