Getting To Know Your Steering System: Tie Rods

How Tie Rods Work In Your Steering System

Your steering system is one of the most important aspects when making sure you can safely and comfortably maneuver your semi-truck. Without a properly working steering system, your vehicle will be less responsive and can cause you to lose control. One of the components of your steering system is the tie rod, which is designed to securely connect your steering gear to the steering knuckle.

If you've been wanting to learn a little more about the tie rods in your commercial truck, then you've come to the right place. To help you along in your studies, our semi-truck industry specialists have developed the following article. Read on to learn more about tie rods!

What Is A Tie Rod?

Tie rods are designed to connect your steering gear to your steering knuckle. Tie rods attach to the steering rack and help push and pull the front tires while you are turning the steering wheel. There are inner and outer tie rod ends that connect to the steering knuckle and turn the front wheels. Tie rods are the component which transmits force you input through the steering wheel to the front wheels, allowing you to change directions when you are driving.

Where Is A Tie Rod Located?

The tie-rod in your semi-truck is placed on the front end of the vehicle, typically beneath the engine compartment. Many commercial trucks have a left and right tie-rod, while some only have one tie-rod that connects both the left and right sides. A single tie-rod assembly connects to the steering gear through other linkage.

What Happens When A Tie Rod Goes Out?

When they become loose, tie rods will move and make sounds at the joints and links. As well, if the boot protecting the tie rod joint is damaged in any way, dirt and debris will get in and make a grinding sound. If you are hearing any grinding sounds coming from your steering system, you will want to make sure and pick up a replacement part as soon as possible.

4 Symptoms Of A Bad Tie Rod

Tie rods are designed to not only help turns your wheels, but they also make turning your vehicle possible. Here are a few things to look out for that may indicate you need to replace the tie rods in your commercial truck:

1. Uneven tire wear: A damaged tie rod can cause excessive tire wear. When making your visual inspections, check your tires for uneven wear. If they are uneven, it can mean that you need to replace your tie rods.


2. Front end alignment is off: Tie rods are designed to assist you in steering your commercial truck to ensures that it stays straight. Even though there are several different parts that can cause your vehicle to misalign, a poor tie rod can become loose and cause the front end of the vehicle to become misaligned.


3. Vibrating or loose steering wheel: Since tie rods link the steering wheel to the front wheels, it is often that steering problems can be a symptom of a poorly functioning tie rod. symptoms include a steering wheel that shakes, and looseness or excessive play in the steering wheel. The vibration will grow increasingly worse as you accelerate or turn.


4. Knocking or clicking sound: A knocking sound coming from the front of the vehicle when turning at low speeds can be a symptom of bad tie rods.

Read More About The Tie Rods In Your Commercial Truck's Steering System!

If you've been researching tie rods, then it's likely that you'll want to know more about the rest of the components that make up your semi-truck's steering system. Our experts have put together several articles to help you expand your knowledge on the topic of commercial truck steering. Click on any of the links below to read more about the components you most want to learn about!

• Get To Know Your Steering System
• Get To Know Your Steering System: Steering Gears
• Get To Know Your Steering System: Drag Links
• Get To Know Your Steering System: Steering Pumps
• Get To Know Your Steering System: Reservoir Tanks

Shop Now For Tie Rods!

If you are looking for replacement parts for your steering system, then you've arrived at the perfect time! Whether you are looking for steering gears, drag links, tie rods, pumps, or reservoir tanks, we have a full selection of steering parts from Dana, Spicer, Match Made, and Meritor. Shop now for amazing deals on the aftermarket parts you need to make sure your commercial truck is up and running as intended!