Track Rod End replacement & repair made easy

The track rod end is a component of the steering mechanism. It connects the tie rod from the steering rack to the front wheel steering knuckle on each side. It is a flexible ball joint that can be adjusted to alter the cars tracking and align the wheel correctly.

These parts are sometimes referred to as tie rod ends.

Whilst there are differences in the process between vehicles, there are some basic procedures that a mechanic will carry out

• The vehicle will be raised and the road wheel removed
• Mechanic will then undo the component from the steering knuckle and tie rod
• A new track rod end will be fitted
• The vehicle will be put back together and lowered back to the ground

Unless you are a qualified mechanic with the required skills, training and equipment to do the job, we strongly recommend a track rod end replacement is only carried out by a professional mechanic. ClickMechanic can help get you a vetted and local mechanic to carry out the work. Just enter your postcode and your car's registration number at the top of this page and select the work needed to get an instant fixed price up front.

If there is wear in the parts, this can cause

• Vibration through the steering wheel
• Knocking over bumps and whilst changing direction
• Uneven and premature tyre wear
• Imprecise steering.

A track rod end replacement usually takes around 1 hour, but can take less or more time. Ultimately, the time that the job will take will depend on a number of factors, like your vehicle's make and model, year, as well as other factors. Select your car at the top of this page for information on job time and cost for your vehicle through ClickMechanic.

Yes, a faulty track rod end is an MOT failure, and a common one too.

As the track rod ends are in constant use as the car is driven and are exposed to damage from road debris, a track rod end replacement is a common repair. The most frequent reason is that the protective boot has split, been cut or simply perished over time and this is an MOT failure.

If you experience any of the symptoms related to the track rod end replacement listed, it is important to have the part inspected and replaced if required as soon as possible.

No, it is dangerous to drive with a broken track rod end (or tie rod end) and is not something to put off, it can cause you to lose control over the vehicle. The same goes for if the track rod end has any known issue such as looseness, wear or binding which can ultimately break. It is recommended therefore not to drive the vehicle, and get help from a professional mechanic with immediate effect.

There are many reasons why a track rod end may break. Some of the most common reasons include:

• Worn out or damaged bushes: The track rod end is connected to the steering knuckle via a bush. Over time, these bushes can become worn out or damaged, causing the track rod end to loosen and eventually break.
• Corrosion: If the track rod end is exposed to salt, moisture or other corrosive materials, it can weaken and break over time.
• Impact: If the track rod end experiences a sudden impact, such as from a pothole or curb, it can break.
• Improper installation: If the track rod end is not installed correctly, it can break under the stress of normal driving.

If a bad track rod end is not changed then you may experience issues with your steering and handling especially on turns and at high speeds. This can be dangerous and can result in serious accidents.

The most common symptom of a worn track rod end is a loose feeling in the steering wheel. The steering wheel may feel like it is wobbling back and forth, or it may feel like the car is wandering from side to side. Another symptom is uneven tyre wear.

Replacement cost for inner track (or tie) rods can range from £50 to £100 with an average cost of £70.

Track or tie rod replacement averages around £70 while with a ball joint replacement you can expect to shell out around £90.

The symptoms of a bad tie rod are usually a clicking noise when turning the steering wheel, uneven tyre wear, and the steering wheel feeling loose.

A bad tie rod can become a serious safety hazard. If the inner tie rod end breaks while you’re driving, you can lose control of the vehicle. This can easily lead to an accident so it's best to get it checked as soon as possible and get it fixed.

You may need an alignment after replacing a drag link, but it depends on the severity of the damage and how well the old drag link was aligned. You should always get the alignment checked after replacing any steering component.

You can replace just one tie rod end but it is recommended to replace both tie rod ends at the same time. Over time, they will wear at a similar rate. Replacing just one can result in uneven steering and premature wear on other steering components.