Outer Tie Rod

Outer Tie Rod – Understanding Steering

Steering on a car or truck is one of the things that we count on the most without really understanding how they work. Most people are aware of how the brakes work or how the shocks work, but have you ever really stopped to think about how it is that rotating the car's steering wheel from right to left really makes the car move in that direction, especially because the tires are mounted on a fixed axle? The answer to this mystery begins with the steering system and a part that most people don't know about called the outer tie rod.

If you've never seen the outer tie rod outside its natural habitat before, which is when it is not mounted under the car, you should know that it is a slender tube or rod that is used to carry tensile loads. A tie rot is used in much the same way that a bicycle uses its spokes. If you were to ride on a bicycle without any spokes, the tire would probably collapse, because all of the pressure of the forward and downward motion would collapse the sphere of the tire. The tie rod works in a similar way in your car to relieve and disperse pressure that occurs during the steering process.

One of the most unique things about the outer tie rod is that it has to be constructed very carefully in order to correctly be able to handle pressure and disperse this stress. It typically has threads carved into it where it is meant to be connected to the wheel. Because these threads typically represent a weakness of the rod, the rod is constructed to be thicker at this end to begin with, which prevents overall weakening when the threads are carved.

Most people don't realize that the strength and soundness of the overall suspension system should be checked regularly, which is at least once a year. Even though you might not have been travelling over much rough terrain, normal wear and tear on a car can cause the outer tie rod to become worn or loose. When these parts are compromised, it is often common for the driver to experience erratic steering and also to notice irregular wear on the tires. If you are not comfortable examining the suspension yourself, you can always bring your automobile into a mechanic to ask their opinion of its condition.