How Often Should Tie Rod Ends Be Replaced?
2 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.
