The Difference Between Tie Rod and Long Tie Rod and How to Check It

Understanding tie rod and long tie rod is necessary for all car owners. This component plays a significant role in the comfort of the steering system. The tie rod itself is shorter than the long tie rod, so these components have different functions. The differences in the functions of these components will be explained in detail in the following review.

Differences in Function Between Tie Rod and Long Tie Rod

As previously explained, physically, the tie rod and long tie rod have differences in shape. The tie rod is not as long as the long tie rod, making it more practical for connecting the steering knuckle to the rack or steering gear. Meanwhile, the long tie rod has a longer shape and size compared to the tie rod because the long tie rod is a component that connects and is installed at the end of the steering rack.

Given their different shapes, this also affects their functions. The differences in the functions of these components are as follows. The tie rod functions to connect the steering wheel and the front wheels of the car directly. The tie rod plays a role in transmitting the rotational movement generated by the car's steering so that the driver can change the direction of the car by turning the front wheels.

On the other hand, the long tie rod not only serves as a connector but also stabilizes the car when facing uneven road surfaces or navigating a turn. The long tie rod also helps optimize suspension geometry by adjusting the camber and caster, making the car's steering stable and balanced.

Although there are differences between these two components, it can be concluded that both components serve to move the car's wheels forward, adjust the distance of the front wheels, and dampen vibrations.

How to Check the Condition of Tie Rod and Long Tie Rod

Given their important function in the car's steering, as a car owner, you must pay attention to the condition of these components to see if they are still in good condition or worn out. Here are the complete ways to check.

1. Understand the signs of damage to tie rod and long tie rod

Before you check the tie rod and long tie rod, it is best to understand the signs that indicate if these components are damaged. This will facilitate the checking and diagnosis process. The signs of damage to the tie rod and long tie rod that need to be known are as follows.

Severe vibrations occur when turning the car. You may even feel the vibrations in your hands when holding the car's steering wheel.
Noisy sounds appear in the car's suspension when the car is turning.
The steering position becomes less precise or misaligned. Usually, the car's steering will lean to one side when the car is being driven.

2. Jack up the car

To check the condition of the tie rod to see if it is worn out or not, you can jack up both front wheels of your car so that they do not touch the road surface directly.

3. Move the wheels

After you have jacked up the front wheels of the car, you just need to move the wheels by holding the left and right sides of the tire with your hands. Then shake the wheel back and forth with some force.

Then observe the condition of the tie rod or long tie rod for the signs or symptoms of damage that you have understood earlier. If the component is damaged, the car's wheels will feel loose, and there may be noisy sounds like "clunking".