What are the symptoms of a worn track rod?

Common signs include loose or vague steering, a knocking or clunking noise when turning, uneven tyre wear, and the car pulling to one side. Excessive play in the track rod can also cause the steering wheel to feel unsettled at speed.

What does a track rod do?

The track rod connects the steering rack to the wheel hub and transfers your steering input to the front wheels. It works with the track rod end to control the wheel's angle, which is why worn parts affect both steering precision and wheel alignment.

Should I replace track rods in pairs?

It is good practice to inspect both sides, as components on the same axle wear at a similar rate. Replacing track rods will usually require the front wheel alignment (tracking) to be reset afterwards to protect your tyres.

How much does track rod replacement cost?

The price of a track rod depends on your exact vehicle and the brand you choose. Enter your registration above to see parts confirmed to fit, then compare prices from the brands we stock on this page. Free UK delivery on orders over £99.

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Track Rod buying guide — what to know before you buy

The track rod (also called the tie rod on many platforms) is the steering linkage that transmits movement from the steering rack or steering box to the front wheel hubs, turning the wheels left and right. Worn or damaged track rods cause imprecise steering, uneven tyre wear, and can make the vehicle unsafe at speed.

Track rod construction and function

A track rod assembly typically consists of an inner track rod end (which connects to the steering rack via a ball joint) and an outer track rod end (which connects to the wheel hub carrier). The outer end is threaded and adjustable, which allows toe alignment to be set correctly after replacement. Both inner and outer ends use ball joints that allow the necessary articulation as the suspension moves.

On rack-and-pinion steering systems the track rod ends are relatively long, allowing the rack to be positioned centrally in the vehicle. On older recirculating-ball steering box systems the arrangement differs, using a drag link and separate tie rods.

Signs of a worn track rod

Knock or clunking from the front suspension when turning or going over bumps, vague or wandering steering, vibration through the steering wheel at speed, and uneven tyre wear across the front axle are all classic symptoms of worn track rod ends. The wear is usually in the ball joint — the socket becomes loose and allows play that should not be present.

A steering geometry (wheel alignment) check will often reveal excessive toe error that cannot be adjusted back within limits, which indicates the track rod threads are at their extremes — another sign that replacement is needed.

Clunking when turning or over bumps
Vague, imprecise steering feel
Vibration through the steering wheel
Uneven inner or outer tyre wear
Visible play in the wheel when rocked side to side

Replacement and alignment

Track rod replacement always requires a wheel alignment check and reset immediately afterwards. The old toe setting can be approximated by counting the threads showing on the old outer track rod before removal, but a proper geometry check on a four-wheel alignment rig is needed to confirm. Skipping alignment after replacement will cause rapid tyre wear. Use the registration lookup to find the correct track rod for your vehicle.