Every year I get 4 different cars go through a safety inspection. And every single time the mechanic tells me I need a new tie rod. I more or less trust my mechanic, but in the same time I would like to be educated in the area. I just wonder how can they tell if the tie rod is shot? do they check it while the tire is still on? Can you only check it if the car is on the hoist? Is it something that I can check myself before I get the safety done. When my car was on the hoist with the tires off, I tired to wigle the tie rod to see if it was loose, but it did not move. What is the proper way to check the tie rod?
My friend tells me that tie rods are cheap now a days and could use replacing almost on a yearly basis. Which brings me the next question. What is the danger of having a slightly loose tie rod (loose control of steering?) Thanks for your help.