Can the tie rod be adjusted on one side only?
2 Answers
Adjusting the tie rod on one side only is not acceptable; both sides must be adjusted, with one side loosened and the other tightened. The tie rod is a crucial component in a vehicle's steering mechanism, directly affecting the stability of vehicle handling, operational safety, and tire lifespan. Tie rods are divided into steering drag links and steering tie rods. The function of the tie rod is to act as the transmission link between the steering arm and the steering knuckle arm. The steering tie rod serves as the base of the steering trapezoidal mechanism, responsible for transmitting the motion from the steering arm to the steering knuckle arm. The steering tie rod is the key component that ensures the correct motion relationship between the left and right steering wheels. The vehicle tie rod mainly consists of a ball joint assembly, nut, tie rod assembly, left telescopic rubber boot, right telescopic rubber boot, and self-tightening spring.
To be honest, having worked in auto repair shops for many years, I've seen plenty of car owners who only adjust one tie rod to save trouble, and it always leads to a host of problems. The steering system is all about balance—tie rods connect to the wheels and help maintain steering wheel precision. Adjusting just one side throws the toe angle out of balance, causing one wheel to tilt inward or outward. This makes the car pull to one side, leading to uneven driving. Tire wear accelerates, especially with one tire's inner side wearing down prematurely, wasting money on new tires. Worse yet, at high speeds, the steering wheel struggles to return to center, and handling becomes unstable during turns, increasing safety risks. I once fixed a customer's car where he DIY-adjusted just one side—it nearly caused a loss of control. Every time I adjust tie rods, I recommend doing both sides simultaneously and pairing it with a professional four-wheel alignment to ensure even toe angles. It's not expensive and extends component lifespan. Remember, small adjustments have big consequences—don't cut corners and risk bigger losses. Always seek help from a reputable shop.