Volvos are some of the most reliable and durable vehicles on the roads today. So, when something is wrong, drivers can often tell immediately. If your Volvo is making strange noises or your steering wheel is vibrating, you may be experiencing tie rod failure. At Heynneman European, our technicians are ASE certified and have decades of experience. They can fix your tie rod issue and get your car safely back on the road.
What is the tie rod?
The tie rod is the part that links your steering column to the wheels. When you turn the steering wheel, it either pushes or pulls the wheels, making your car turn. It must be working properly for your tires to work together. If the tie rod fails, it can make it impossible to drive your car.
Symptoms of Tie Rod Failure in a Volvo
When the tie rod begins to fail, it will often produce symptoms. Some of the symptoms you may experience include:
- Strange Noises: A failing tie rod can produce squeaking, rattling and clunking noises that come from the front end.
- Steering Wheel Vibrates and Shakes: A vibrating steering wheel can be an indication of tie rod failure in a Volvo. The vibration may only be felt when turning or driving over 50 mph.
- Steering Wheel Feels Loose: If your steering wheel has extra play or feels loose, the tie rod could be failing. When you turn your steering wheel, your car should respond immediately. When there is a lag in the response it can be dangerous and lead to an accident.
- Volvo Shakes: When the tie rod fails, the tires will vibrate. This will make your car shake. If you are experiencing shaking, have the issue resolved right away. Continuing to drive your car is very dangerous.
- Poor Alignment: When the tie rod is damaged, the parts will become loose. This will cause your Volvo to be out of alignment. If you have an alignment performed without fixing the tie rods, it will need to be realigned again. Uneven tire wear is a sign that your Volvo is out of alignment. Your car may also pull to one side making it hard to drive straight.
- Uneven Tire Wear: When the tie rod fails, your vehicle will not be properly aligned. This will cause the tires to wear unevenly. If your tires have uneven tire wear, it could be caused by a failing tie rod or improper alignment.
Causes of Tie Rod Failure in a Volvo
Your tie rod gets a lot of use. Over time, it can fail. The most common reasons for failure are road hazards and a lack of lubrication. To prevent tire rod failure, stay current on your regular maintenance. Your mechanic can help ensure they are properly lubricated. It is also important to avoid driving over rough roads and potholes as much as possible.
Is it safe to drive your Volvo with tie rod failure?
A faulty tie rod is a safety issue. If your Volvo is experiencing tie rod failure, you need to have it fixed right away. The loose parts can make it difficult to steer your vehicle. You may also experience complete failure. When this happens, the steering wheel will no longer be able to control the direction of the wheel. This can lead to a fatal accident.
About Heynneman European
At Heynneman European, we take great pride in our high level of certification and accreditation. All our technicians are fully certified to perform the work they are assigned.
Benefits of hiring Heynneman European:
- 24-Month/24,000-Mile Warranty
- Complimentary Loaner Cars
- Comfortable Waiting Area
- ASE Certified Mechanics
- AAA Certified Service Center
- BOSCH Certified Service Center
- High-quality Service
- Straightforward, Honest & Friendly Customer Service
- Over 70 Combined Years of Experience
- We are Your One-Stop-Shop
Schedule Your Service Today
Our shop is equipped with the 
latest tools and equipment to handle all your Volvo needs. From scheduled maintenance to tie rod failure. When you need service performed, we’ve got you covered.
Call Heynneman European today to schedule your service appointment. We are conveniently located in Larkspur, Kentfield, Corte, Mill Valley, San Anselmo, Fairfax and San Rafael, CA. You can reach us on 415-499-1234 or come see us at 3155 Kerner Blvd., San Rafael.
