Steering
Tie Rod
Tie rods connect your steering rack or linkage to the steering knuckles and set the toe angle of your front wheels. We stock 36 tie rods, ends and kits from $14 to $213 for 1967-2023 vehicles, from Moog, AC Delco, SKP and Beck Arnley, with many for the Chevrolet Camaro and some for Jeep and Ford trucks.
Shop tie rod by vehicle
Replacement Front Tie Rod Ends Ball Joints Sway Bar Links Kit 498-379
Fits 2001 models
Signs of worn tie rods
Worn tie rod ends cause loose or vague steering, a clunk or knock when turning, steering wheel shimmy and uneven wear on the inner or outer edge of the front tires. A torn rubber boot lets grease out and dirt in, which speeds up wear.
With the front wheels off the ground, grab the tire at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions and rock it. Movement you can feel at the tie rod joint means it needs replacing.
Inner, outer and thread direction
Inner tie rods attach to the steering rack, and outer tie rod ends connect to the knuckle. Many trucks and older cars use a linkage system with a center link, drag link and adjusting sleeves instead.
Check the position and thread direction. Some ends have left hand threads and some have right hand threads. Kits may include several tie rods, sleeves and a center link, which suits a full steering rebuild.
Installation and alignment
Support the vehicle on stands. Count the turns as you unscrew the old outer end, then thread the new one on the same number of turns to keep toe close to its original setting.
Use a tie rod puller rather than hammering the knuckle, fit new cotter pins and torque the nuts to spec. Get a wheel alignment right after the job. Confirm your drive type and steering setup in the fitment table.
Tie Rod questions
Do I need an alignment after replacing tie rods?
Yes. Even if you count the threads, toe will change slightly. An alignment protects your tires and makes the steering wheel sit straight. It also helps the steering wheel sit centered when you drive straight.
Should I replace inner and outer tie rods together?
Not always. Check each joint for play. If both are worn or the vehicle has high mileage, replacing both at once means one alignment instead of two.
What is the difference between a tie rod and a drag link?
A tie rod connects to a wheel's steering knuckle. A drag link, used on many trucks with linkage steering, connects the steering box to the steering linkage.