How do you know if your tie rods are bad on a Subaru?
Bad tie rods typically show steering looseness, wandering, clunking noises when you turn, or uneven tire wear. If you notice these signs, have your steering and suspension inspected promptly.
Tie rods connect the steering rack to the wheels and help keep the wheels pointed straight. On a Subaru, worn or damaged tie rods can degrade handling, change toe alignment, and accelerate tire wear. This guide outlines common symptoms, how to inspect safely, and what to do if you suspect a problem.
Common signs of worn tie rods
Look for these indicators that a tie rod may be reaching the end of its life:
- Steering wheel has excess play or feels loose at the center
- Your car pulls or drifts to one side while driving or during braking
- A clunk, knocking, or grinding noise when turning or hitting bumps
- Uneven tire wear, especially on the inner or outer edge of tires
- Steering wheel does not return smoothly to center after turning
- Visible damage to the tie-rod ends or torn/broken steering-boot boots
- Excessive vibration through the steering wheel at certain speeds
Worn tie rods should prompt a professional inspection, as continued driving can jeopardize steering control and tire life.
How to inspect tie rods on a Subaru
Before you start, understand that inspecting tie rods requires safe lifting and support of the vehicle. If you’re unsure, have a technician perform the inspection.
Use these steps to assess condition and play in the tie-rod assemblies:
- Visually inspect outer tie-rod ends and inner tie-rod boots for cracks, tears, or grease leakage
- With the car safely lifted and supported, grasp the tire at 3 and 9 o’clock and try to move it while watching the tie-rod joints for any movement or play
- Check for any looseness or looseness of the joint by gently wiggling the steering linkage at the tie-rod ends
- Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock and listen for or feel any clunking or binding in the front suspension
- Have a helper turn the steering wheel while you observe the inner tie-rod and rack connections for movement or binding
- Take note of alignment changes after a test drive; persistent toe or alignment issues suggest worn tie rods
Regular inspection can catch wear early, but definitive diagnosis and replacement should be handled by a qualified mechanic, especially for AWD/Subaru platforms where steering geometry is closely tied to handling dynamics.
What to do if you find bad tie rods
When tie rods are confirmed to be worn or damaged, plan timely repairs to restore steering precision and tire life. Replacement generally involves the tie-rod ends and often the inner tie-rod as well, followed by an alignment to restore proper toe settings.
Repair options and steps:
- Replace outer tie-rod ends if the inner rod is still within spec and movement is minimal
- Replace inner tie-rod and outer tie-rod ends if both show wear or if the joint is loose
- In many Subaru models, replace both sides to ensure even steering geometry and balanced tire wear
- Have a wheel alignment performed after replacement to correct toe and ensure predictable handling
- Inspect related components (joints, steering rack boots, suspension bushings) for wear and replace as needed
Driving with bad tie rods risks loss of steering control, uneven tire wear, and potential suspension damage. Seek a professional repair promptly to maintain safe, reliable handling.
Why timely replacement matters for your Subaru
Tie rods are a critical link in steering geometry. Delayed replacement can lead to progressive loosening, poor toe alignment, and increased risk of tire failure or loss of steering under load. Subarus with all-wheel drive rely on precise toe settings to maintain traction and stability, so timely repair helps preserve handling performance and safety across road conditions.
Special considerations for AWD/Subaru platforms
Because many Subarus use symmetrical all-wheel drive and sensitive toe settings, driving with worn tie rods can have amplified effects on steering feel and tire wear. After any tie-rod service, ensure a full alignment is performed to restore intended steering geometry across all wheels.
Summary
In short, signs of bad tie rods on a Subaru include loose steering, pulling, clunking sounds, and uneven tire wear. A combination of visual inspection, hands-on checks, and a road test can indicate wear, but a professional diagnosis and alignment are essential for safe, reliable repairs. If you notice any listed symptoms, schedule an inspection promptly to protect steering control and tire health.
