Is it safe to drive with bad tie rods?

No. Driving with a worn or damaged tie rod is unsafe and can lead to sudden loss of steering control. Seek professional inspection and repair as soon as possible.

Tie rods are a critical link in the steering system, transmitting the driver's input from the steering rack to the wheels. When they wear, the geometry of the steering can change, tires can wear unevenly, and steering responsiveness can deteriorate. This article explains the risks and what to do if you notice problems.

What tie rods do and why wear happens

The tie rod assembly consists of an inner tie rod and an outer tie rod end that connect the steering rack to the steering knuckle. Each component relies on a flexible joint enclosed by a boot that keeps grease in and dirt out. Over time or due to impact, wear, or torn boots, the joints can loosen or bind, leading to play in the steering and reduced predictability.

Signs of tie-rod wear to watch for

Common indicators that a tie rod may be failing include a mix of steering play, noises, and unusual tire wear. Below is a quick list of symptoms reported by drivers and technicians:

• Excessive play in the steering wheel or a loose feeling when turning


• Steering wheel vibrating or shuddering at speed


• Pulling to one side or the vehicle not tracking straight


• Clunking, knocking, or squeaking noises when turning or hitting bumps


• Uneven or rapid tire wear on the inside or outside edges


• Torn or leaking boot with exposed or dry grease

Observation of one or more of these symptoms should prompt a professional inspection, as they can be precursors to more serious steering problems.

Is it safe to drive right now? First steps

When tie-rod wear is suspected, the safest course is to minimize driving and arrange professional inspection or towing if the vehicle's steering feels significantly compromised. The risk of sudden steering loss increases with speed and road conditions.

Consider the following guidelines before driving further:

• Stop driving as soon as safely possible if you notice significant steering looseness, a loud clunk, or sudden changes in steering response.


• Avoid high-speed or highway driving until inspected and repaired.


• Have the vehicle towed to a shop if you cannot safely drive it the distance needed for an inspection.


• Do not attempt temporary fixes; steering components require proper replacement and alignment.

These precautions can reduce the risk of a steering failure that could result in a crash.

What to expect during repair: options and costs

Repairing worn tie rods typically involves replacing the affected outer tie rod ends and, in many cases, the inner tie rods. Depending on the vehicle design, you may replace one side or both sides to restore straight tracking and even tire wear. A full replacement of the steering rack is uncommon but may be necessary in severe cases.

Costs vary by vehicle and region, but the typical range is as follows:

• Outer tie rod end replacement (parts and labor per side): commonly $200–$600


• Inner tie rod replacement (if applicable) or complete tie-rod kit: often $250–$600 per side


• Complete steering rack replacement (rare, for severe wear): $800–$1,500 or more, plus alignment

After replacement, a wheel alignment is almost always required to ensure proper toe settings and prevent uneven tire wear, and to restore precise handling.

Prevention and maintenance tips

Keeping a close eye on steering and suspension components can extend service life and reduce risk.

• Inspect tie-rod ends and boots during regular maintenance or before long trips; replace torn boots or contaminated joints promptly


• Have alignment checked anytime a tie rod is replaced or if you notice steering irregularities


• Drive cautiously on rough roads and after minor collisions to limit impact damage to steering components

Proactive checks help catch wear early and can prevent unexpected steering problems on the road.

Bottom line

Bad tie rods threaten steering control and tire health. If you notice symptoms, stop driving and seek professional inspection promptly. Replacing worn tie rods and performing an alignment are essential for restoring safety and handling.

Summary

In short: driving with bad tie rods is unsafe and can lead to sudden steering failure. Expect to replace worn components and align the wheels; costs vary by vehicle, but timely maintenance is key to maintaining safe driving conditions.

How long can you drive on a bad tie rod?

You should not drive with bad tie rods and should get them repaired or towed immediately, as a failed tie rod can lead to a sudden loss of steering control, a crash, and damage to other parts. While a vehicle might be drivable for a short time, the risk of the tie rod failing catastrophically is high and could result in an accident, especially when hitting bumps or making sharp turns. 
Why you should not drive with bad tie rods

• Risk of steering loss: A tie rod can break, causing a sudden and complete loss of steering for one wheel, which could lead to a serious accident. 
• Unpredictable steering: Driving with bad tie rods can make your steering feel loose, unresponsive, or unpredictable. 
• Tire damage: Worn tie rods can cause uneven tire wear, leading to the premature need for new tires and another alignment. 
• Vehicle damage: A tie rod failure can cause further damage to other steering and suspension components. 

What to do if you have bad tie rods

• Avoid driving: The safest option is to have your vehicle towed to a repair shop. 
• Drive with extreme caution if absolutely necessary: If you must drive a short distance, drive at low speeds (under 353535 mph), avoid bumps and sharp turns, and drive only to the nearest repair facility. 
• Get them replaced: Have the tie rods replaced as soon as possible to restore proper steering and ensure your safety. 

How urgent is tie rod replacement?

A tie rod replacement is very urgent if there is any play in the joint, as a failure can lead to a complete loss of steering control. If the tie rod is loose, it should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent further damage to other steering components and uneven tire wear. If there is no play, the urgency is lower, but replacement is still recommended to avoid future problems. 
Symptoms indicating high urgency

• Play in the wheel: If you lift the tire and can wiggle it in and out (left and right), the tie rod is loose and needs immediate attention. 
• Difficulty steering: Problems like a loose, shaky, or unresponsive steering wheel, or a vehicle that pulls to one side, are serious indicators. 
• Loud noises: A knocking sound when turning can signify a worn tie rod. 

Symptoms indicating less immediate urgency

• Torn boot: A torn boot is a sign that the joint will eventually fail, but if there is no play in the joint, replacement can wait a short time. 
• Uneven tire wear: This is a common symptom of a worn tie rod and can indicate that the component is starting to fail, though not yet at a catastrophic level. 

Risks of delaying replacement

• Loss of steering control: A broken tie rod can cause one of your wheels to turn sharply and unpredictably, leading to a sudden loss of control and a potential crash. 
• Further damage: A worn tie rod will accelerate the wear on other steering and suspension components. 
• Uneven tire wear: A faulty tie rod will cause irregular wear on your tires, leading to premature and costly replacement. 

What to do

• If you suspect a tie rod is failing, get it inspected by a qualified mechanic immediately. 
• Ask the mechanic to check for play in the tie rod by lifting the wheel and checking for looseness. 
• If a tie rod is found to be loose, replace it as soon as possible. 
• After replacement, a professional wheel alignment is essential to ensure proper steering and prevent premature tire wear. 

What happens if your tie rod goes out while driving?

With a broken tie rod you simply can't drive at all. You won't be able to back out of your driveway. One wheel will point random directions at its own discretion since the tie rod is the only thing connecting it to your steering system. In other words, you'll only have control over the non broken side.

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

If you don't replace bad tie rods, you risk loss of steering control, leading to dangerous situations, potential accidents, and severe damage to your car. Worn tie rods cause symptoms like loose steering, clunking noises, and uneven tire wear, and in a catastrophic failure, a broken tie rod can cause a wheel to turn unpredictably.
 
This video demonstrates how to identify bad tie rods by checking for play in the wheel: 49sChrisFixYouTube · Jun 10, 2014
Steering and handling problems 

• Unresponsive or loose steering: The steering wheel may feel shaky, vibrate, or have excessive play, making it difficult to control the vehicle. 
• Misaligned front end: The car will pull to one side, and the steering wheel may not stay centered, forcing you to make constant, small corrections while driving. 
• Loss of control: In the worst-case scenario, a tie rod can break completely, causing a sudden and complete loss of steering on one side, which can stop the car abruptly and dangerously. 

This video shows a visual inspection for worn tie rods, including checking the joint for damage: 57s1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Aug 13, 2022
Vehicle damage

• Uneven tire wear: A misaligned front end caused by worn tie rods will cause premature and uneven wear on your tires. 
• Suspension damage: Continued driving with a bad tie rod can cause additional damage to other steering and suspension components. 

You can watch this video to see an example of a car with a loose steering wheel and how to inspect for the problem: 47sBudget MechanicYouTube · Jul 27, 2024
Safety risks

• Accident risk: The most significant risk is a loss of control that could lead to an accident. 
• Component failure: Tie rods can fail suddenly without warning, especially under stress, putting you and others on the road at risk.