Average Cost of Tie Rod Replacement [Pricing Stats]

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  • According to the information on the Repair Pal website, the average cost of a tie rod replacement sits between $152.00 and $215.00, at least for parts. (Source)
  • Between parts and labor, pending on location, the full average cost of a tie rod replacement is $365.00. (Source)

Additional Cost Factors

  1. Vehicle Year, Make, and Model
  2. Accessibility to Mechanical Services
  3. Additional Mechanical Issues

1. Vehicle Year, Make, and Model

Like tires, the average cost to replace a tire rod depends on the vehicle’s year, make, and model. There are many online options to visit that offer a cost calculation based on the information you provide in their questionnaires.

Some of these sites may come from a local parts dealer close to where you live or from a major website that sells parts on a national level. It should be pointed out here that it’s easier to find parts with newer vehicles than with older ones.

If you’re looking to replace any part, including tie rods, on a car that isn’t so commonly seen on the road anymore, be prepared. Not only will you find yourself on what will feel like a scavenger hunt, but face the possibility of paying a rather high amount of money to find the right replacement.

Sometimes, you may have to go through a fabricator who specializes in making a brand new part just to give you what you need in order to fix your vehicle.

2. Accessibility to Mechanical Services

Accessibility to Mechanical Services

If you’re already a confident mechanic who knows how to replace all the parts on your vehicle, you have a distinct advantage over motorists who don’t.

Also, if you’re located in or near a large community that has many different parts and services outlets to choose from, you’re in a good position to shop around for the best rates possible. As for drivers located in remote or rural regions that don’t have so many options to work with, you have to work with what you’ve got.

In such cases, the parts and services may run a higher cost average than anywhere else. The reason for this has much to do with the extra cost involved to transport the part to a location that’s deemed out of the way.

3. Additional Mechanical Issues

Usually, when a tie rod needs replacement, there will be a need for the vehicle to have a wheel alignment.

This adds to the overall cost to bring your car back up to snuff. There is also the possibility of having to replace the steering rack, which is a significantly higher cost than performing the tie rod replacement and wheel alignment together.

Quite frankly, the longer you put off replacing the tie rod the more likely the overall cost to make the vehicle perfectly safe to drive again will go up. (Source)

About Tie Rods

Tie Rods

Tie rods are used to help control the vehicle’s steering as a link between gears and parts as part of its steer system. Each vehicle has at least two inner rods that pivot as the steering wheel is handled.

These are connected to the wheels by an outer tie rod. Between the inner and outer rods, the outer usually experience more wear and tear as it is exposed to more elements and has to ensure the most amount of stress.

The inner rods technically act as a bridge to ensure all parts related to the vehicle’s steering system function within normal parameters.

However, should a tie rod become an issue where it needs to be replaced, you will notice this in your vehicle’s performance. Does the steering wheel shake when you handle it? Is the car vibrating more than it should while it’s in motion?

If so, this means the suspension of your vehicle has been compromised as the tie rod is no longer able to provide the safe and secure support your vehicle needs. A looser than normal steering wheel is also another indicator you may have a problem that’s connected to the tie rod’s performance level.

There’s also the possibility of a poor front-end alignment that may even see the tread of your tires become abnormal. While driving, pay attention to any unusual noises coming from the car itself. If something is off, even if it seems really slight, bring that vehicle in before the problem gets worse.

As expensive as it may seem to have a tie rod replaced, it’s a bargain compared to how much it can cost when left ignored. Like a chain reaction, as soon as one part is no longer able to keep up with a vehicle’s performance level, the rest of it will fall apart as well.

More details

Vehicle Year, Make, and Model

Installation and replacement

You’ll need to know a few things before replacing a tie rod on your own. First, you’ll need to identify which side the damaged tie rod is on. You can do this by jacking up the car and inspecting the condition of each tie rod.

Once you’ve identified the damaged tie rod, you’ll need to remove it. To do this, you’ll need to loosen the nut that secures the tie rod to the steering knuckle. Once the nut is loose, you can remove the tie rod from the steering knuckle.

Next, you’ll need to install the new tie rod. To do this, simply reverse the process you used to remove the old tie rod. Start by threading the new tie rod through the steering knuckle, and then secure it in place with the nut. Once the new tie rod is in place, you’ll need to adjust its length. To do this, simply turn the adjusting sleeve until the tie rod is the correct length.

Once the new tie rod is installed and adjusted, you can lower the car and test drive it to make sure everything is working properly. If you find that the car is still not steering correctly, you may need to have the alignment checked.

Understanding mechanic pricing

If you’re not comfortable replacing the tie rod on your own, you can take it to a mechanic. Mechanics typically charge by the hour, so you’ll need to ask for a quote before they start working on your car.

Be prepared to pay around $50-$75 per hour for labor. Additionally, you may need to purchase a new tie rod, which can cost around $30-$50. Finally, if you need an alignment after replacing the tie rod, you can expect to pay an additional $50-$100.

Doing it yourself: pricing

If you’re feeling confident and want to replace the tie rod on your own, you can buy the part for around $30 and do the job in an hour or two. However, if you’re not comfortable with the job or don’t have the proper tools, you can take it to a mechanic.

Do different cars have different tie rod complications?

Yes, certain cars may have different tie rod complications. For example, some cars may require a special tool to remove the tie rod from the steering knuckle. If you’re not familiar with car mechanics, it’s best to take your car to a mechanic if you’re having trouble replacing the tie rod.

How often do tie rods need to be replaced?

Tie rods typically need to be replaced every 50,000 miles or so. However, this can vary depending on the make and model of your car. Consult your car’s owner’s manual for specific recommendations.

If you find that your car is not steering correctly, you may need to replace the tie rod. Replacing a tie rod is a relatively simple process, but there are a few things you’ll need to know before getting started. This guide will walk you through the process of replacing a tie rod on your own.

Symptoms of a bad tie rod

Symptoms of a bad tie rod can include difficulty steering the car, shaking while driving, and uneven tire wear. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s likely that you need to replace the tie rod.

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