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What is the difference to ball joints and tire rod and how do you know which one needs is broken?

My leaned in and I am unable to drive it. I was told that I need to have my ball joints replaced and now I think my tire rod has broken.

Public Comments

1. The ball joints are located on the ends of the tie rods. a visual inspection should tell you which part is bad. It's more likely that it's the ball joint, since it's the more wear-prone of the two. Hope this helps!!
2. You have to take your car to Sears and let them take a look at it on a rack. They will charge a small fee. I hope that you are prepared to pay the small fee..
3. Ball joints hold the wheel to the control arms and keep the wheels straight up and down, tie rods are what allow you to steer the wheels and keep them straight ahead. Both of these things are not someone usually does at home. Have it towed to a shop, do not drive it .
4. HI its tie rod not tire rod.... The tie rod is what attaches the wheel to the steering linkage and actually steers the tires. The ball joint is what attaches the wheels to the front suspensionn. The ball joints would be at the center point of the tires and the tie rod ends are at ether the front or the back of the tires depending on if it is front steer or rear steer. good luck tim