What are the symptoms of a bad tie rod?

The most noticeable symptom of a bad tie rod is a knocking sound coming from the front end of the vehicle when driving slowly and making a sharp turn. Turning into a parking spot often results in this symptom.

Other symptoms of a bad tie rod on a vehicle may include the vehicle pulling to one side or the other while driving or braking and uneven wear on the inside or outside of the tires. Tie rods do not wear out or need replacing simply because they have been on a vehicle for a certain amount of time. They go bad due to normal wear and tear and harsh road conditions.