Why an Alignment is Needed After an Outer Tie Rod Replacement

Key Suspension Repair

After replacing an outer tie rod, you may wonder if it is necessary to perform an alignment to complete the repair. In the past, counting the number of turns it takes to remove the tie rod and using that same number to install the new tie rod was enough to ensure a successful repair. However, with the advent of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), an outer tie rod installation isn’t complete until an alignment is performed.

ADAS and Alignment

ADAS features like lane keep assist, stability control and automatic emergency braking rely on the steering angle sensor to function and provide accurate information. Changes to alignment settings, even slight adjustments, can have a big effect on the performance of ADAS functions. In the case of the outer tie rod, installing a new part can make changes to the vehicle’s toe setting which can cause an out-of-spec toe reading on both sides since the toe will “equalize” as the vehicle is driven down the road. This will also have an impact on the accuracy of the steering angle sensor when the vehicle is being driven straight. 

Once you put the vehicle on an alignment machine and there is a good chance that the toe reading on the side that you worked on will be out of spec. Being out of spec by just a degree can be enough to cause wear on both front tires.

Resetting the Steering Angle Sensor

Once the alignment is complete, it is important to recalibrate the steering angle sensor since the position of the sensor may be inaccurate. Doing this resets the steering angle to match the NEW steer ahead position created after the alignment. For some ADAS functions to work properly, the steering angle sensor needs to know the position of the steering wheel in relation to the path the vehicle is taking when going straight. 

Ensuring that the vehicle is tracking straight takes on added importance in an emergency; the sensor needs to provide accurate information so that the vehicle’s modules can command the right corrective maneuver. You can use the aligner in most cases or a scan tool to recalibrate the steering angle sensor once the vehicle’s steering components have been adjusted properly.

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The content in this article is for informational purposes only. You should consult with a certified technician or mechanic if you have questions relating to any of the topics covered herein. Tenneco will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on any content.