Repair cost · Brakes, Steering & Suspension
Tie Rod Replacement Cost
Average cost: Replacing one outer tie rod end costs $100 to $300, with $40 to $120 for the part and $60 to $180 for labor, according to CostInsightHub. An inner tie rod runs $150 to $350 per side. Doing both outer tie rods costs $180 to $540, both inner tie rods $280 to $650, and a full front set of inner and outer tie rods $430 to $950. A wheel alignment, which is needed afterward, adds $75 to $150.
| One outer tie rod to full front set | $100–$950 |
|---|---|
| Sources checked | 2 |
Tie rods connect your steering rack to the steering knuckle at each front wheel. Every time you turn the wheel, they push and pull the wheels to point the car where you want it to go. Each side has an inner tie rod, which threads into the steering rack under a rubber boot, and an outer tie rod end, which attaches to the knuckle with a ball joint. Worn tie rods make steering loose and imprecise, and a tie rod that fails completely can leave a wheel without steering control, so this is a repair to make promptly.
Tie rod replacement cost at a glance
| Job | Total cost | Parts | Labor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outer tie rod end, one side | $100 – $300 | $40 – $120 | $60 – $180 |
| Inner tie rod, one side | $150 – $350 | – | – |
| Both outer tie rods | $180 – $540 | – | – |
| Both inner tie rods | $280 – $650 | – | – |
| Full front set (inner and outer, both sides) | $430 – $950 | – | – |
| Wheel alignment afterward | $75 – $150 | – | – |
Source: CostInsightHub.
Other published estimates fall in the same range. feeguides cites a J.D. Power range of $100 to $400 for a tie rod replacement, and a Jerry estimate of $400 to $750 for the job including an alignment. Examples for specific cars and areas are lower: feeguides cites a YourMechanic estimate of about $138 for a tie rod in Colorado, and a RepairPal estimate of $186 to $226 for a Honda Fit.
Inner vs. outer tie rods
Outer tie rod ends wear out more often, because they sit closer to the wheel and take more road shock. They are also easier to replace: the end unthreads from the inner rod and pops out of the knuckle. Jerry, cited by feeguides, estimates 0.5 to 1 hour of labor for an outer tie rod. CostInsightHub gives 45 to 90 minutes.
Inner tie rods are more work, because the boot has to come off and the rod has to be unscrewed from the steering rack, often with a special tool. Jerry puts inner tie rod labor at 4 to 5 hours at about $130 per hour on some vehicles, while CostInsightHub gives 2.5 to 4 hours for a full front set. The time depends heavily on the vehicle; some cars allow quick access and others require removing other parts first.
Many mechanics recommend replacing the inner and outer tie rods on a side at the same time if both show wear, since the labor overlaps and the car only needs one alignment.
Parts cost
feeguides cites Jerry figures of about $25 to $75 for an aftermarket tie rod and $75 to $150 for a factory (OEM) part. Quality aftermarket parts are widely used for this repair. Some tie rods come with grease fittings so they can be lubricated; others are sealed for life.
Why you need an alignment afterward
Tie rods set the toe angle of the front wheels: whether the wheels point straight ahead or slightly in or out. Replacing a tie rod changes that angle, even if the mechanic counts threads or measures the old part carefully. Skipping the alignment can cause the car to pull, the steering wheel to sit off-center and the tires to wear out quickly on one edge. Budget $75 to $150 for a front or four-wheel alignment (CostInsightHub); see our wheel alignment cost guide for more detail.
Signs of a bad tie rod
- Loose or wandering steering, or play in the steering wheel before the car responds.
- Clunking or knocking from the front end over bumps or when turning.
- Uneven tire wear, especially on the inner or outer edge of the front tires.
- The car pulls to one side, or the steering wheel is no longer centered.
- Vibration or shimmy in the steering wheel that gets worse with speed.
- A torn boot on the inner tie rod, which lets dirt and water in.
A mechanic checks tie rods by lifting the front of the car and rocking each wheel side to side by hand. Movement at the tie rod joint means it is worn. Many of these symptoms overlap with worn ball joints, wheel bearings or a failing steering rack, so a proper inspection is worth having before parts are replaced. Tie rods are also commonly bent by hitting a curb or a deep pothole.
What affects the price
- Vehicle. Trucks, SUVs and some luxury cars have heavier or more expensive parts and harder access.
- Inner, outer or both. Inner tie rods cost more mainly because of labor.
- One side or both. Doing both sides costs more in total but less per side, and the car gets one alignment.
- Shop type and location. Dealer labor rates are typically higher than an independent shop, and urban areas cost more than rural ones.
- Related repairs. If the steering rack, ball joints or boots also need work, they are often done together to save labor.
Can you replace a tie rod yourself?
An outer tie rod end is one of the more approachable suspension jobs for a home mechanic with a jack, stands, a tie rod puller and a torque wrench. Count the turns when removing the old part so the new one goes on at the same length. Inner tie rods usually need a special inner tie rod tool. Either way, the car still needs a professional alignment afterward, so the savings are mostly on the shop's labor.
Questions to ask your mechanic
- Is it the inner tie rod, the outer tie rod end, or both, and on which side?
- Are the ball joints, boots and steering rack in good condition?
- Are you using OEM or aftermarket parts, and what is the warranty?
- Is the alignment included in the quote?