One of the most vital car systems is the steering system. It controls the direction that the car would be traveling.

Your Ford's steering system allows you to control your car's direction. With it, you can set a course that your heart desires.

The most conventional design is to have the front wheels turn, using a hand-operated steering wheel. The wheel is then connected to the steering column. The steering column contains different universal joints, which make the column deviate from a straight line.

Most modern cars such as your Ford use the rack and pinion system. In it, the steering wheel turns the pinion gear, which then moves the rack (a linear gear which meshes with pinion) from side to side. This applies steering torque to the wheels' kingpins through tie rods and a short lever called the steering arm.

The tie rods are used to connect the end of the steering arm to the steering hub assembly. The Ford tie rod is connected to the steering arm through it's threaded adjusting sleeve, allowing the length of the tie rods to be adjusted.

The tie rods connect the center link to the steering knuckle on cars with conventional suspension systems and recirculating ball steering gears. On cars with MacPherson strut suspension and rack-and pinion steering gears, the tie rods connect the end of the rack to the steering knuckle. A tie rod consists of an inner and an outer end.

The tie rod transmits force from the steering center link or the rack gear to the steering knuckle, causing the wheels to turn. The outer tie rod end connects with an adjusting sleeve, which allows the length of the tie rod to be adjustable. This adjustment is used to set a vehicle's toe, a critical alignment angle.

The ends of the tie rods can be easily replaced with some basic skills. A loose or worn tie end can cause a feathered wear pattern on your Ford's wheels. You can detect worn tie rod ends by raising the front end of your car and rocking it back and forth. If there is any free movement, it could mean that your tie rod ends are worn. Worn tie rod ends can cause your vehicles to wander, have erratic steering, and cause excessive tire wear.

Your vehicle's steering and suspension systems should be checked regularly, at least once a year along with a complete wheel alignment. A worn tie rod end can cause wandering, erratic steering, and excessive tire wear. If tie rod replacement is necessary, a wheel alignment is also required because tie rod replacement disturbs the toe setting. For best results, consult a qualified service technician for professional advice and service on your vehicle's suspension and steering systems.

If you detect worn tie rod ends, make haste to your nearest Ford dealership to have it fixed. A faulty tie rod end can mean a trip to the nearest hospital for you or even your loved ones.