The Effects of Tie Rod Failure on Volvo Handling and Stability

Is your Volvo drifting to the side,, or is the steering less efficient when making a sharp turn? If yes, you may be faced with a tie rod failure. Tie rods are essential parts of the steering system in your Volvo that connect the steering rack to the wheels. Whenever you turn the steering wheel, the tie rods enhance the transmission of this movement to the wheels so that the car moves in the intended direction. If the tie rods are not working properly on your Volvo, the car’s handling deteriorates quickly and becomes dangerous to drive.

How Failure Of Tie Rod Affects Handling

• Steering Instability: The first indication of tie rod failure is that the steering becomes unstable. Sometimes, you may observe symptoms such as too much play or a very sloppy feeling in the steering wheel. This instability causes a lot of deviation from a straight path, and you have to steer right, left, and continuously correct the car when driving at high speeds.
• Misaligned Wheels: A worn or broken tie rod usually leads to a problem of wheel misalignment. This misalignment results in the wearing out of the tires, and the vehicle may pull to the side of the road. Steering wheels out of alignment cause you to lose control of the car and increase the chances of an accident when making sharp turns.
• Difficulty Turning: Tie rods are very important because they pass force from the steering wheel to the wheels. When they fail, the connection becomes less strong, and turning becomes more difficult. While driving the vehicle, you might observe that it does not turn as easily as it should or that the vehicle is too rigid to maneuver around as desired.
• Vibrations in the Steering Wheel: A bad tie rod usually produces vibrations in the steering wheel, most especially when riding on a bumpy road. These vibrations are unpleasant to experience and a sign that the steering system needs help.
• Increased Tire Wear: Tie rod malfunction is also known to cause irregular pressure distribution on your tires, which may lead to early or irregular tire wear. Besides raising the maintenance cost, this issue affects the mechanical grip and general maneuverability of your car on the road.
• Loss of Vehicle Control: In severe cases, the tie rod is completely separated from the other component, and the corresponding wheel is out of alignment. This can cause a loss of steering control and make the vehicle very dangerous to drive.

What to Do If You Think You Have Tie Rod Issues

If you see any signs of failure of the tie rod, then it is important to do something about it. Using a car with faulty tie rods is dangerous to you and to every other driver on the road. Here’s what you should do:

• Schedule an Inspection: Your Volvo should be taken to a reputable auto service center that knows your car model and has worked on it for years. They will perform a comprehensive check of your steering and suspension systems to discover any problems.
• Replace Damaged Tie Rods: If the tie rods are bent or broken, they must be replaced. This task can be accomplished by removing the worn-out tie rods and replacing them with new ones that meet the standards of your Volvo model.
• Get an Alignment Check: When tie rods are replaced, wheel alignment is highly recommended to ensure your vehicle runs as it should. Correct alignment guarantees that your Volvo responds well and reduces further tire wear.

Why Should You Choose Professional Automotive?

At Professional Automotive in Marlborough, MA, we know how much you value your Volvo, and our technicians are always available to help ensure it is well-maintained. Our qualified mechanics are well-equipped to handle European vehicles, so whether you’re dealing with a tie rod issue or need a proper repair or alignment, we can ensure your car’s handling, safety, and performance are restored.

When conducting steering or suspension repairs, we always ensure that we use only high-quality parts. Our commitment to quality service makes us the preferred service center for Volvo car owners in Marlborough and the surrounding region. Contact us now to learn more about our service.