Automotive Q & A

Answer: Your vehicle’s steering system should be checked regularly, at least once a year. If you are experiencing pulling, wandering, or difficult steering, you should have your vehicle’s tie rods and steering system checked. You can check for worn tie rods by raising the front end of your vehicle and moving the front wheels back and forth. If there is excessive movement or any free play, you should have your tie rods checked. You can also check for bad tie rod ends. When your vehicle is parked, turn your steering wheel back and forth, and if you hear a clunking noise, your tie rod ends may be loose or worn. Two other signs of bad tie rods include front-end vibrations and noise. Also, if your steering wheel doesn’t return to center, you should have your tie rods checked. This early maintenance can prevent further damage and dangerous driving conditions.