You don’t think about when you drive a car about all the different pieces that come together to help it move down the road nicely. But the two most important parts that you need to know about are the tie rod end and the ball joint. These components do a tough job because they keep the car’s wheels pointed in the direction you want and help you steer and negotiate turns safely.
The tie rod end and the ball joint are both part of your car's steering system which is the system that allows you to determine where your car goes. They help to ensure the tires are aligned properly and can steer as needed. That is really important for safe driving.
A tie rod end is a small but essential part that connects the steering gear to the steering knuckle. The steering gear is the mechanism that transfers steering wheel input to the car's wheels. The steering knuckle connects the wheels to the car. The tie rod end assists in transferring the motion from the steering gear to the steering knuckle so that your car steers where you want it to go.
The ball joint is another small part that does big work. It hooks the rest of the car up to the knuckle. It’s similar to a ball and socket joint in your body. This allows the steering knuckle to move vertically and horizontally while remaining integrated with the car’s suspension system. This is critical motion so your car is capable of taking up the bumps in the highway & makes the trip smoother.
Tire wear that is lopsided: If you see that your tires are wearing out more quickly on one side than on the opposite, that might be a caution sign. This means that either the tie rod end or the ball joint is not functioning properly, and it can affect how your car drives.
Wobbly steering wheel: When you drive, if your steering wheel is wobbly or feels loose, another sign to notice. If everything feels like it is moving about too much or if you find it hard to keep your car going in a straight line, there could be an issue with either the tie-rod end or the ball joint.
Replace it with a new part: Finally, install the new tie rod end or ball joint back into the steering assembly, following the reverse order of steps you took for removing the old one. And of course, ensure all bolts and nuts are tightened to specific ratings according to the manufacturer's recommendation to keep everything in a firm grip.
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