Signs and Symptoms of a Bad Tie Rod End in Your Peugeot

You've had your Peugeot for ten years, and you are still happy with your decision to buy it. Sure, there have been occasional issues that have occurred. You had to replace a few Peugeot parts when your newly-licenced teenager failed to judge correctly the distance between himself and another driver stopped at a red light, but other than that, it's been a faithful car.

Lately though, something's been happening with it. It seems out of alignment and the tyre tread is wearing down much faster than it should be.

So, what's the problem? It could be your tie rod ends.

What are Tie Rod Ends?

Tie rod ends are used to connect steering linkage to the wheels of a car. They are durable, and most often need very little attention. However, if they fail, the result can be a loss in steering.

Tie rods are like small ball joints. Their connexion allows them to rotate the steering components in a car and let these components move up and down. These car parts can pivot and turn, which makes it easy for the wheels and steering to stay connected even with movement from the suspension.

These Peugeot parts typically are available as pairs, an outer and an inner rod. Inner tie rods are closer to the centre of your car, while outer tie rods are located near the wheel. In most cases, threads connect the two threads, and the distance between the rods can be adjusted by turning these threads. By adjusting the threads, you not only change the distance between the rods, but also the angle of your tyres. This is how wheel alignment is set.

Torn Tie Rod Boots

In order for these car parts to work correctly and to prevent wear, the tie rods have to be lubricated so they can move easily. A flexible rubber boot, located around the base of the tie rod, holds lubricant for this purpose. It also prevent debris from mixing with the lubricant and preventing it from doing its job.

If the boot is damaged, the lubricant can easily leak out and debris can get in. The debris contaminates the joint and wears it down. This can happen because of improper service, but can also be the result of time and normal wear and tear. With the latter, the rubber generally becomes torn and dry rots.

Once this boot fails, fixing it is almost impossible. In order to repair the problem, a new tie rod will often be needed. While some tie rods can be re-greased and fixed, most are made in such a way that the lubrication is sealed in. In the event that the particular tie rods on your Peugeot can be re-greased instead of replaced, it's important to avoid putting too much grease on the part. This can be just as bad as having no lubrication at all because it can cause the boot to tear, leaving the tie rod end vulnerable to contamination. The excessive grease can then end up on the car's rotors, interfering with your ability to use the brakes.

You'll also need to make sure you're using the correct lubricant for this project and that that all the debris around the joint is wiped away before application. Because this process can be complicated, a professional is often needed. It may be more cost effective and time saving to replace these Peugeot parts instead of attempting to fix them.

Worn out Tie Rods

Over time, the tie rods on your Peugeot can wear down as well. When this happens, you may notice several signs indicating a problem:

• The tyre tread will wear down on one side or the other because the distance between the tie rods has changed and the car isn't aligned correctly anymore.

• Your car may feel like it's out of alignment. It may pull to one side or the other.

• The steering may be loose and you may hear a squeaking noise whenever you move the steering wheel.

• When you go over a bump, you may feel the steering wheel shake.

If you notice any of these symptoms, inspect your tie rod ends immediately. Even if you don't know a lot about car parts or vehicles, you can do this at home with the help of an assistant who can turn the wheel.

To inspect the outer tie rod ends, grasp them using your hand and push up and down on them. For inner tie rods, push by hand from front to back. If you notice that either have any free play, it most likely means the joint has become compromised. These car parts will need to be replaced.

The Danger of Tie Rod End Failure

Tie rod ends are important car parts, and their failure can be extremely dangerous. After all, they are the link between you and the Peugeot's tyres. Without them, you won't have the ability to steer your car. While this may not seem like a big deal when your Peugeot is parked in the driveway, it can be if the failure occurs when you're driving down the motorway.

As soon as you notice any signs of tie rod end failure, check these parts to determine if they are wearing out or broken. Then, get to a mechanic. A good mechanic will be able to change these Peugeot parts quickly and easily, realign your car, and get you back on the road.

If the problem isn't your tie rod end, but something else, don't assume you'll never have to deal with tie rod end failure. These car parts wear down over time and will eventually need to be replaced if you own the Peugeot long enough. However, there are steps you can take to prevent total failure from occurring before you have a chance to replace the ends.

I'm talking about good maintenance. While many people assume this term means changing the oil, it refers to much more than that. Make a point to take the car to the mechanic when it's time to change the oil. Have him look over all of your steering and suspension components, including the tie rod ends, to see if any wear or damage has occurred to the boot or actual part. By doing this, you may be able to catch the tie rods in the beginning stages of their breakdown and fix the problem before it gets bigger.