Tie rod replacement costs between $300 and $800 per side at most shops, depending on whether you need just the end or the whole assembly
A tie rod is the metal rod that connects your steering gear to your wheel hub. When it wears out, your steering becomes loose or pulls to one side. Replacement is not optional — a failed tie rod can make your car unsafe to drive.
The total bill depends on three things: which tie rod (inner or outer), whether you replace just the worn part or the whole assembly, and your vehicle's make and model. Labor typically runs $150 to $300 per side. Parts alone range from $50 to $400 depending on what you replace.
Key Takeaways
- Outer tie rods cost less to replace than inner ones because they are easier to access, usually $200 to $500 total versus $400 to $800 for inner tie rods.
- Many shops replace the entire tie rod assembly rather than just the worn end, which costs more upfront but reduces the chance you will need the same repair again soon.
- Labor time varies widely by vehicle — some cars take 30 minutes per side, others take two hours or more because the steering box is buried under the engine.
- Shops often recommend replacing both sides at once even if only one is worn, because the other is usually close behind and you avoid paying labor twice.
- Aftermarket parts cost significantly less than OEM (original manufacturer) parts, though some shops charge the same labor rate regardless of which you choose.
What outer tie rods cost and why they are cheaper
An outer tie rod is the end closest to your wheel. It is exposed and relatively straightforward to reach, so shops can replace it quickly. Outer tie rod replacement typically costs $200 to $500 total — usually $50 to $150 for the part and $150 to $300 for labor.
The reason outer tie rods are cheaper is access. A mechanic can often unbolt the old one and bolt on the new one in under an hour. Some vehicles take longer if the tie rod is seized or if other components are in the way, but this is the faster job of the two.
You will also hear shops mention a tie rod end — this is the ball joint at the very tip of the tie rod that actually connects to the steering knuckle. Some shops sell just the end as a replacement part, which costs $30 to $80. However, most shops replace the entire outer tie rod assembly because the end cannot be serviced separately on most modern cars.
What inner tie rods cost and why they take longer
An inner tie rod connects the steering gear (or rack) to the outer tie rod. It is buried under the engine or inside the engine bay, which means the mechanic has to remove other parts to reach it. Inner tie rod replacement typically costs $400 to $800 total — usually $100 to $250 for the part and $250 to $400 for labor.
The labor difference is real. On some vehicles, an inner tie rod takes 45 minutes. On others, the steering rack is so deep in the engine bay that the job takes two hours or more. A few vehicles require removing the entire steering rack to replace the inner tie rod, which can push labor to $500 alone.
Inner tie rods also wear more slowly than outer ones, so you may never need to replace one. Many cars go 150,000 miles or more without inner tie rod failure. If your outer tie rod is worn, the inner one is usually still good — but shops often recommend replacing both because you are already paying for labor on that side.
OEM parts versus aftermarket and what the difference costs
An OEM tie rod is made by the car manufacturer and carries their name and part number. An aftermarket tie rod is made by a third-party supplier like Moog, Dorman, or TRW and sold under that brand name. OEM parts typically cost 30 to 50 percent more than aftermarket equivalents.
For example, an OEM outer tie rod for a Honda Civic might cost $120, while a Moog aftermarket version costs $60 to $80. The labor charge is the same either way — the mechanic spends the same time installing it. Some shops charge a markup on parts, so the total difference to you might be $40 to $80 on a $300 job.
Aftermarket parts are not inferior. Most shops use them by default, and they carry the same warranty as OEM parts at that shop. If you want OEM, ask your mechanic before they order — some shops will special-order it, others stock only aftermarket. The choice is yours, but the labor savings do not exist either way.
Why shops recommend replacing both sides at once
If your mechanic tells you to replace both outer tie rods or both inner tie rods, they are usually right. Tie rods wear in pairs because both sides handle the same steering forces. If one is worn enough to fail, the other is typically 80 to 90 percent worn as well.
The financial logic is straightforward: you pay labor once to access both sides, but if you replace only one, you will pay labor again in a few months or a year when the other fails. Replacing both at once costs maybe $100 to $200 more in parts but saves you $150 to $300 in labor later.
The exception is if only one tie rod is visibly damaged — for example, if you hit a pothole and bent the outer tie rod but the other side looks fine. In that case, replacing just the damaged one is reasonable. But if both are worn, both should be replaced.
How to know if your tie rods are actually worn
A worn tie rod usually shows up as loose steering — the wheel feels like it has play in it, or you have to turn the wheel more than usual to make the car respond. You might also notice the car pulls to one side, or the steering wheel vibrates when you brake.
Your mechanic will confirm this by lifting the car and grabbing the tie rod by hand. A worn tie rod will move or rattle when shaken. A good one will not. This is a quick visual check that takes a minute and costs nothing if you are already there for an inspection.
Do not ignore a loose tie rod. It affects your steering precision and can make the car harder to control in an emergency. It also accelerates wear on your tires and suspension. Most shops will flag it during a routine inspection, but if you notice loose steering, have it checked before the next scheduled service.
What happens after tie rod replacement
After replacing a tie rod, your mechanic should perform a wheel alignment to reset the angle of your wheels. This is not always included in the tie rod replacement price — ask before the work starts. Alignment typically costs $100 to $200 and takes 30 to 60 minutes.
Some shops include alignment in the tie rod price, especially if they are replacing both sides. Others charge it separately. If the alignment is not done, your tires will wear unevenly and your steering may still feel off. It is worth the extra cost.
After the work is done, your steering should feel tight and responsive again. If it does not, or if you still notice pulling or vibration, tell your mechanic before you leave. They can recheck the alignment or look for other worn suspension parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a worn tie rod?
You can drive a short distance to a mechanic, but not safely for long. A severely worn tie rod can fail suddenly, leaving you with no steering control. If your steering is noticeably loose or the tie rod is visibly bent, do not drive it on the highway or in heavy traffic.
Do I need to replace the tie rod end separately?
On most modern cars, the tie rod end is not sold separately — you replace the entire outer tie rod assembly. On some older vehicles or trucks, the end can be replaced alone, which costs less. Ask your mechanic whether your vehicle allows this.
Why is one side so much more expensive than the other?
Usually because the inner tie rod on one side is harder to reach than the outer. Inner tie rods take longer and cost more. If your quote shows a big difference between left and right, ask your mechanic to explain which side is which and why the labor differs.
Will my warranty cover tie rod replacement?
Factory warranties typically cover tie rods for three years or 36,000 miles. If your car is newer and still under warranty, have the dealer inspect it before paying out of pocket. If you are past warranty, the repair is your responsibility.
How long does tie rod replacement take?
Outer tie rod replacement usually takes 30 minutes to one hour per side. Inner tie rod replacement takes 45 minutes to two hours per side depending on the vehicle. Add 30 to 60 minutes if the shop is also doing a wheel alignment.