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Tie rod ends allow you to control your vehicle's direction by connecting the steering wheel and steering gear to the front wheels. Tie rods are installed in the end of the rack and pinion or the steering linkage, and attach these parts to the steering knuckle. They feature a ball-and-socket construction that allows the tie rods to move with the vehicle's suspension over bumps or other changes in terrain while consistently providing steering control. A tie rod end also allows you to perform a front-end alignment on the vehicle, and your inner and outer tie rods will typically be threaded on one end to allow them to connect to one another and perform necessary adjustments. The inner is attached to the steering rack and pinion unit, the outer to the steering knuckle, and the two will be threaded together in the middle - sometimes using a tie rod sleeve and retainers. A loose or shaky steering wheel, excessive or uneven tire wear, or a front-end alignment that is off are typical symptoms of a worn tie rod. Many tie rods also feature grease fittings, and failing to perform regular lubrication maintenance on your tie rods can lead to accelerated wear and premature failure. If you inspect your tie rods and they are noticeably loose, if their boots are damaged, or if they have begun to separate, you may need to replace the tie rods and get the vehicle properly aligned. Shop O'Reilly Auto Parts for the inner or outer tie rods you need, as well as ball joints, complete steering racks, and tie rod service tools for a complete repair.