How Does a Tie Rod End Help My Car?

PIRO4D | Pixabay

There are many different parts to your car that help it steer smoothly. One of those parts is a tie rod. You may think you need a new tie rod, or maybe your mechanic has finally convinced you that a new tie rod is necessary. Before having it replaced, you want to understand exactly what a tie rod is, how it helps your car run, and how to determine if your tie rod is really going bad or not. Here is a look at everything you need to know about a tie rod end.

What Is a Tie Rod?

A tie rod connects the steering rack to the steering knuckle on each wheel. It consists of an inner end and an outer end. Between the inner and outer tie rod ends is an adjusting sleeve. When you turn the steering wheel, the sleeve transmits that direction of movement through the various steering components until it reaches the tie rods. When the movement reaches the tie rod ends, they push or pull the wheel and make the wheels turn in the right direction. Tie rods play a huge role in the overall safety of your car since turning is an important part of car safety.

A tie rod usually has a round end and has a thread bolt perpendicular to it that is inserted into the knuckle. There are bearings within the rounded end that allow the bolts to pivot freely.  This end usually has a cover to keep the dirt out. While looking at the tie rod end from the outside, it may seem simple. However, every part of the tie rod end being tight is crucial for steering.

How to Tell if Your Tie Rod is Failing or Bad 

Your tie rod end usually does not fail overnight. There are signs that your tie rod is starting to fail. Here are some signals that there is a problem with your tie rod.

• Uneven tire wear: If you look at your front tires and notice the inside or outside of the tread wearing more quickly than the rest, then that can be a sign your wheel camber is incorrect. 
• Squealing from the front when turning: If you notice a brief high pitch sound coming from the front of your car when you are turning, then your ball joint could be bad. 
• Loose steering: It may seem like your steering is not connecting with the movement of your tires.

If your car goes has one or more of these signs, then your tire rod could be failing. Checking your tire rod easy. You will need to jack up the front of your car until the front wheels are no longer on the ground. Once the wheel is completely off the ground, you will want to check for play or looseness. To check for play in your wheels, simply place your hands at nine o'clock and three o'clock. While your hands are in this position, simply push and pull on your wheel. If you are able to wiggle the wheel, you will want to have it looked at.

Replace Your Tie Rod End 

If you believe you have a bad tie rod end, don't wait. Driving on a bad tie rod can lead to an unnecessary accident. Find your new tie rod at EZ Accessory.

How Do Lug Bolts Help My Car?

Photo by jarmoluk on Pixabay

The wheels of your car allow you to get from point A to point B. However, while not very common, you may have experience with your wheels falling off. What makes this happen? Or a better question may be what fastens your wheels to your car? The answer to that question is a lug bolt. While a lug bolt is small in size, it has the job of keeping the wheels attached to your car. Here are a few important things you should know about lug bolts.

Design

You have probably seen a lug bolt on your wheel, but you might not have known what it was. The lug bolt is a bolt with one rounded or conical end. All lug bolts on a wheel form a set. The set secures the wheel to the threaded wheel stud which is attached to the car's axle. A lug bolt's conical shape is what allows the wheel to center accurately on the axle and reduce the likelihood of the lug loosening. There are many different shapes of lug bolts. Aftermarket and forged rims usually require specific lugs to match their mounting holes. Many times it is required to get new lugs when having new rims put on.

Loose Lug Bolt

It is important to know when you have a loose lug bolt.  Since the main job of a lug is to hold the wheel onto the car, if the wheel does not seem snug to the car, then you may have a loose lug.  Another common issue is the torque is not tight enough. To test the torque, take a torque wrench and try to tighten the lugs. If the lugs are as tight as they can go, then you do not have a loose lug.

Installing Lug Bolts

When you install lug bolts, it is usually in an alternating pattern, commonly known as a star pattern. The star pattern ensures the weight is evenly distributed across the wheel mounting surface. You can use a lug, socket, or impact wrench to start tightening the lug, but for best results, you should do the final tightening with a torque wrench. Using a torque wrench ensures the weight is evenly distributed. The torque varies by car, and wheel manufacturers specify what type of torque is required. It is best to consult these guidelines when installing a lug.

Replace Your Lugs 

You may take your lugs for granted because you weren't really sure what they were. While lug bolts may be small, they play an important role in your car. Without lug bolts, your wheels would not stay on your car properly. The last thing you want is bad or loose lugs. Never hesitate to replace lug bolts when there is a problem with them. For all of your new lug bolt needs contact EZ Accessory. We offer many different types of lug bolts. Check out our selection here.