Importance Tie rods in suspension system ?

What do Tie rods do in suspension system ?

BALL JOINTS AND TIE RODS – WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Smoothing out the bumps

From ensuring steering stability and smooth handling to delivering a comfortable ride, the suspension system plays a key role in the performance of your vehicle. Made up of many parts, two important pieces of your car’s suspension system are ball joints and tie rods. Do you know the difference between these two parts?

Where are ball joints and tie rods located?

Both ball joints and tie rod ends are each a part of the front suspension and steering system of your car and are located between the front wheels. The steering system spans the entire length between the front wheels, connecting the two wheels together, while the suspension system is contained just inside each front wheel. Effectively, the steering system is a separate system from the suspension system, but the two systems work hand in hand in to steer your vehicle down the road.

Ball joints and tie rod ends are not connected to each other but are both connected to a mechanism called a spindle. This spindle is connected to your front wheel. A ball joint is connected to the top and bottom of the spindle, while the tie rod end connects to the spindle and controls its pivot which allows vehicle to be steered.

What do ball joints do?

Ball joints are a part of the suspension system. Basically, ball joints provide a pivot point for each front wheel to pivot, or turn upon, as the steering system turns the front wheels left and right and the control arms move up and down.

Each of the control arms of your front suspension system, upper and lower, have a ball joint at the outermost end of the control at its closest point to the front wheel. In the case of strut-type suspension, there is only one lower ball joint affixed to the lower control arm at the same point.

This ball and socket type configuration creates the ability for the wheels to turn left and right and move vertically with changes in the road surface while at the same time supporting the weight of the vehicle and providing a comfortable ride.

What do tie rods do?

Tie rod ends are a part of the steering system. Tie rods connect the spindle, on which your front wheel is mounted on one end, to the steering gear mechanism on the other end.

Whether your car steering design is a rack and pinion system or a steering gear box system, both systems have inner tie rod ends and outer tie rod ends. An outer tie rod end is connected to each front wheel spindle, and an inner tie rod end is connected to the steering rack or steering gear box assembly.

As your steering wheel is turned, a shaft connects the steering wheel to a steering gear assembly – either a steering gear box or rack and pinion gear mechanism. This gear box mechanism connects through a series of arms which connects to the tie rod ends. As you steer left or right, the steering gear pushes the steering arms and tie rods left or right respectively.

How do the ball joints and tie rods work together?

Ball joints and tie rods have nothing to do with each other, yet everything to do with each other. As a part of the suspension system, the ball joint supports the weight of the vehicle and allows the steering to turn the car left or right and up and down. The ball joint and suspension system can perform that function independently of the steering system and tie rod ends. However, the tie rod needs the ball joint to support the weight of the vehicle and at the same time, allow the front wheels the ability to pivot left and right.

What are tie rod ends?

Although there are various types of steering systems, such as rack and pinion steering and recirculating ball steering, they all share a common component that enables them to steer properly - the tie rod end. Engaged every time you turn your steering wheel, tie rods are found on each front wheel and connect the steering gear to the steering knuckle. Simply put, you can’t steer your car without tie rods.

How do tie rods work?

Serving as the pivot point between the steering rack, steering arm and steering wheel, tie rods not only help move your wheels when you steer but they make turning possible.

While the rack and pinion system and recirculating ball system each operate differently, both systems use a tie rod to connect the steering rack to the steering arm, which is connected to the steering wheel

How are tie rods designed?

Made of high-strength steel, a tie rod is a slender cylindrical structure with two sections. Consisting of an inner tie rod and an outer tie rod end, they work together to give you optimum wheel control. The inner tie rod is made up of an inline ball joint and connects to the steering rack while the outer tie rod connects to the steering knuckle.

SYMPTOMS OF BAD TIE RODS

Critical Steering Connector

A critical component of your vehicle’s steering system, tie rods connect the steering rack to the steering knuckle. Tie rods not only help move your wheels when you steer but they make turning your vehicle possible. Simply put, without tie rods, steering your vehicle would be impossible.

Because tie rods are used every time you steer your vehicle, they are susceptible to damage and wear. Normal wear and tear can cause a tie rod to fail; driving hazards like potholes and accidents can also cause damage to a tie rod. If a tie rod becomes damaged and fails, the effects can range from mild (premature tire wear) to extreme (loss of vehicle control). Read on to learn the symptoms of a failing tie rod end.

What are the signs of a bad tie rod?

Since tie rods are used every time you steer your vehicle, they are susceptible to damage and wear. Normal wear and tear can cause a tie rod to break down but driving hazards like poor road conditions, potholes and accidents can also cause tie rod damage or failure.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, it is imperative that you make an appointment with your technician for proper diagnosis.

How long do tie rods last?

Tie rods can last for several years. In fact, you may never have to replace your tie rods. The conditions you drive in play a large role in the lifespan of tie rods.

What happens if a tie rod fails?

If a tie rod fails, the effects can range from the mild (like premature tire wear) to the extreme (a total loss of control of your vehicle). A failing tie rod can go from bad to worse in a matter of miles.

Can I drive with a damaged tie rod?

Driving with a bad tie rod can have a large impact on the steering and handling of your vehicle. You may find that you steering wanders, leaving you with little control making the vehicle turn in the direction you want. If you suspect that you have a problem with a tie rod, don’t delay in making an appointment with technician for the proper repair.

Thanking You