How Often Should Tie Rod Ends Be Replaced?
3 Answers
Tie rod ends do not have a specified replacement interval and should only be replaced when they fail. Types of Tie Rods: Tie rods are categorized into steering drag links and steering tie rods. Function of Tie Rods: The steering drag link is the transmission link between the steering arm and the steering knuckle arm, responsible for transmitting the motion from the steering arm to the steering knuckle arm and capable of mitigating reverse impact. The steering tie rod ensures the correct motion relationship between the left and right steering wheels. It is divided into steering tie rods in non-independent suspensions and those in independent suspensions, which have different structures. The steering trapezoid in independent suspensions consists of two parts. The Hongqi CA7560 sedan uses the steering tie rod in an independent suspension.
I've been driving for over 20 years and have seen many cases of ball joint problems. There's no fixed replacement interval for this part—it depends on your actual usage. For example, my own car mainly drives on good urban roads, and I didn't replace the ball joints until after 100,000 kilometers. However, a colleague who lives in the countryside with many dirt roads had severe wear by 80,000 kilometers. Generally, it's recommended to have a technician check them during every 50,000-kilometer maintenance, listening for unusual noises or increased steering play. If anything seems off, replace them immediately to avoid steering failure, which could cause accidents. Regular maintenance is key—don’t wait until the steering starts pulling to address it. Safety comes first, and spending a few minutes checking during each service can save you a lot of trouble.
Severe wear of the tie rod end can lead to steering system failure, which is extremely dangerous. I always pay close attention to this when driving and recommend checking it periodically. For example, inspect it every 50,000 kilometers or more frequently if you often drive on bumpy roads. If you notice steering wheel looseness or squeaking noises, repair it immediately. There's no need to replace it at fixed intervals; a simple check during maintenance is sufficient. I've seen some car owners neglect this, resulting in accidents and doubled repair costs. Regular maintenance ensures peace of mind while driving—remember, safety is far more important than saving money.
