Is it OK to drive with a bad tie rod end?

No. A bad tie rod end is not safe to drive; it can lead to sudden steering loss or erratic handling. If you suspect a problem, stop driving and arrange professional service or towing.

What a tie rod end does

Tie rod ends are part of the steering linkage. They connect the steering rack to the wheel hub and control toe, the angle the wheels point relative to the car. The outer tie rod end attaches near the wheel; boots seal grease and keep dirt out. When damaged, the joint can wear, develop play, and affect steering geometry.

Inner vs outer tie rods

Most cars use an inner tie rod connected to the rack and an outer tie rod end connected to the steering knuckle. Both parts must move together smoothly to maintain proper toe. A failure anywhere in this linkage can cause toe misalignment and steering instability.

Signs of wear or failure

Watch for warning signs that point to a failing tie rod end. If you notice any of them, stop driving if possible and have the vehicle inspected promptly.

• Excessive steering play or a loose feeling; the steering wheel may not return easily to center


• Clunking, knocking, or squeaking when turning or going over bumps


• Vehicle pulls to one side or the steering wheel is off-center


• Uneven or rapid front-tire wear


• Torn boot or visible grease around the joint


• After a collision or hard impact with a pothole or curb

These symptoms indicate compromised steering geometry and increase crash risk. Do not ignore them.

What to do if you suspect a problem

Action steps to reduce risk and arrange proper repair:

• Find a safe place to stop and assess the situation; if you feel loss of steering, do not attempt to drive further


• Do not drive long distances or at highway speeds with suspected tie rod damage; limit driving to nearby shop if possible


• Have the vehicle towed if you are unsure about your ability to drive safely


• Have a certified mechanic inspect the steering and suspension, specifically the inner and outer tie rods and related components; request a wheel alignment after replacement

Following these steps reduces the risk of a steering failure and ensures the repair is performed correctly with proper alignment.

What to expect at the shop

During repair, a technician will inspect for play in the tie rods, check boots for damage, and evaluate the steering alignment. Replacement may involve an outer tie rod end (and sometimes the inner tie rod and rack), followed by a wheel alignment to restore toe and steering feel.

Summary

Bottom line: Do not drive with a known or suspected bad tie rod end. The potential for sudden steering loss, unpredictable handling, and tire damage makes immediate inspection and repair essential. If symptoms appear, pull over safely, arrange towing, and have the steering linkage repaired promptly. Regular maintenance and timely attention protect you and other road users.

How long can you drive on bad tie rods?

You should not drive on bad tie rods; even a short distance can be unsafe and lead to a sudden loss of steering control if the tie rod fails completely. Driving with a bad tie rod can also cause uneven and rapid tire wear, and it puts additional stress on other steering and suspension components. A tie rod failure can be catastrophic, causing you to crash and potentially harming others. 
This video explains how to check for bad tie rods: 1mAuto V Fix YouTube · Dec 30, 2024
Risks of driving with bad tie rods

• Sudden loss of steering control: A tie rod can break at any time, causing your wheel to turn sharply and unpredictably, leading to a serious accident. 
• Poor steering and handling: A loose tie rod makes steering feel less responsive and can make it difficult to keep the vehicle in its lane. 
• Accelerated tire wear: A bad tie rod will cause your tires to wear unevenly, which can be costly and indicates a bigger problem. 
• Damage to other parts: Ignoring the issue can lead to more expensive damage to other suspension components. 

What to do if you suspect bad tie rods

• Get it inspected immediately: If you notice any signs like uneven tire wear, a wobbly steering wheel, or noises when turning, take your car to a qualified mechanic right away. 
• Avoid driving if possible: It is not worth the risk. The safest option is to have the vehicle towed to a repair shop. 
• Drive cautiously if absolutely necessary: If you must drive a very short distance to a repair shop, avoid high speeds and sharp turns, as a failure is unpredictable. 

What happens if your tie rod goes out while you're driving?

You can typically continue to drive your vehicle on a worn tie rod, but if it fails completely, you'll lose steering control and will likely need a tow to get you back home or to our service center for a repair.

What happens if you don't fix a bad tie rod?

If you don't replace worn tie rods, you risk loss of steering control, uneven tire wear, and damage to other suspension components. The most dangerous outcome is a complete failure, which can cause the affected wheel to suddenly turn independently, potentially leading to a serious accident.
 
This video demonstrates how to test for a bad tie rod and what to look for: 1mBudget MechanicYouTube · Jul 27, 2024
Immediate and dangerous outcomes

• Loss of steering control: A worn tie rod can make steering loose and unpredictable. If it breaks completely, the wheel it's connected to will lose all steering ability, causing you to lose control of the vehicle. 
• Accidents: A broken tie rod can cause a crash, especially at higher speeds, due to the sudden and complete loss of steering on one wheel. 

Long-term and secondary issues

• Uneven tire wear: Tie rods help align the wheels and keep the car tracking straight. A worn tie rod will cause poor alignment, leading to premature and uneven wear on your tires. 
• Damage to other components: The constant stress from a bad tie rod can cause further damage to other parts of the steering and suspension system. 
• Shaky or unstable ride: You may experience vibrations in the steering wheel, especially while driving or turning. 

This video explains how to check for a bad inner tie rod: 1m1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Aug 13, 2022
What to do

• Get an inspection: If you suspect your tie rods are worn, have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic immediately. 
• Replace the tie rod: Do not delay replacement. Driving with bad tie rods is a significant safety risk for you, your passengers, and other drivers. 

What does a bad tie rod sound like while driving?

A bad tie rod typically sounds like a clunking or knocking noise when turning or driving over bumps, a result of the loose metal joints. You might also hear squeaking or a popping sound, especially during low-speed turns or when hitting imperfections in the road. 
This video demonstrates the sounds associated with bad tie rods: 23sEasyAutoFixYouTube · Nov 11, 2022
Common sounds of a bad tie rod

• Clunking or knocking: This is often the most common symptom. It happens because the worn joint is no longer stable, and the parts are hitting against each other. 
• Squeaking: A high-pitched squeak can be heard, particularly when turning the steering wheel. 
• Popping: You may hear a popping sound, especially when turning sharply or going over inclines. 

When you are most likely to hear the sounds 

• While turning: The noise often occurs when you first turn the steering wheel, especially at low speeds. 
• Over bumps: Hitting bumps or uneven surfaces can cause the loose components to make noise. 

Other signs of a bad tie rod

• Loose or shaky steering: The steering wheel may feel loose, or you might notice excessive play in the steering. 
• Tire wear: Uneven wear on the inner or outer edges of your tires can be a sign of a bad tie rod. 
• Vibrations: You might feel vibrations in the steering wheel or the front of the car. 
• Car pulls to one side: The vehicle may pull to the left or right while driving. 

You can watch this video to learn how to check if your tie rod is bad: 58sChrisFixYouTube · Jun 10, 2014