Steering Components

Does the steering feel loose, or does the car pull to one side after a lift or bigger tyres? This category brings together steering components, from ball joints and tie rods to steering dampers, steering boxes and kingpin kits. It is for you if you maintain an everyday car, a pickup or an off-road vehicle, and for you if you are building a project with modified suspension.

What steering components do

The steering system transfers the movement of the steering wheel to the wheels through a series of joints: a steering box or a steering rack, tie rods with tie rod ends, ball joints and, on some axles, kingpins. Play in just one joint can cause loose steering, uneven tyre wear or a car that wanders on the road. The category covers tie rods and tie rod ends, ball joints, steering racks, steering boxes, kingpin kits and steering bearing kits. There are also boots that keep dirt and water out of the joints, e.g. Prothane Universal Ball Joint Boot.

How to choose steering components

Start with the car's layout, then choose based on how the car is used:

• Axle and steering system: The car can have rack-and-pinion or a steering box, and independent suspension or a solid axle. The parts must match that exact layout and model year.
• Load: Bigger tyres, lift kits and off-road driving can increase the forces on rods and joints. Complete kits are available for specific models, e.g. ICON Tie Rod Kit for Ford Bronco and Toyota Tacoma or Cognito Alloy Series Tie Rod Kit for Chevy/GMC Silverado/Sierra 2500/3500 HD.
• Geometry: Lowering or lifting can change the steering angles. That is why other parts may be needed, e.g. drop spindles.
• Maintenance: Consider whether the joint can be greased and whether the boot can be replaced separately.

Brands in the category include Bitubo Suspension, Skyjacker, QuadBoss, SPC Performance and EPI.

Steering damper against steering wheel shake

A steering damper dampens shocks and vibrations from the wheels before they reach the steering wheel. This can be especially noticeable with large tyres and on uneven surfaces. Some kits have two dampers, e.g. ICON Dual Steering Stabilizer Kit for Ford F-250/F-350. However, a damper cannot compensate for worn ball joints or tie rod ends. So if the steering wheel shakes, check the joints first.

Installation, wheel alignment and inspection

Tie rods, tie rod ends and ball joints affect wheel alignment, so the alignment typically needs to be adjusted after a replacement. Tighten to the car's and the manufacturer's torque specifications, and use new lock nuts or cotter pins where specified. The steering system is safety-critical. Whether a part can be approved for road use depends on the product and the car, and it must be checked for the specific part number. If the suspension also needs upgrading, the other parts are found under chassis and suspension.

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell if a ball joint or tie rod end is worn?

Typical signs are play in the steering, clunking over bumps, uneven tyre wear and a car that wanders. You can lift the wheel and rock it to feel for play. However, wear cannot always be seen, so it is a good idea to have a mechanic assess the joint.

Does the alignment need adjusting after replacing tie rods?

Typically yes. Tie rods and tie rod ends determine the toe setting of the wheels, and even a small difference in length can cause an off-centre steering wheel and increased tyre wear. So have the alignment measured and adjusted after installation.

Can a steering damper eliminate steering wheel shake?

It can dampen shocks and vibrations, especially with large tyres. However, it does not fix the cause if the shaking is due to worn joints, unbalanced wheels or incorrect alignment. So check the rest of the steering system first.

Do new steering parts need approval for inspection?

It depends on the product and the car. Changes to the steering layout or geometry may require documentation. Check the approval for the specific part number before you install the part.