Anyone knows that the car's steering system is one of the most vital systems in cars. It allows you to control the direction in which your car could turn. The steering system also allows you to manipulate the direction in which the car would be traveling.

The most conventional design for the steering system is to have the wheels turn using a hand-operated wheel to steer. That wheel is connected to a steering column, which is then connected to the wheels. The steering column has several universal joints, which is then used to make the column perform a number of turns, specifically left and right.

Most steering systems use the most simplest design: the rack and pinion. The steering wheel turns a pinion gear, which runs along the rack (which is a linear gear that meshes with the pinion) from side to side. The movement creates a steering torque, which is then applied to the wheel's kingpins through tie rods and the steering arm, a kind of short lever.

The tie rods connect the end of the steering arm to the steering arm assembly. The Volkswagen tie rod is then connected to the steering arm through a threaded adjusting sleeve, which allows the length of the tie rods to be adjusted.

The center link is connected to the steering knuckle on cars with a conventional suspension system and recirculating ball steering gears through the tie rods. On MacPherson strut suspension equipped cars and rack-and-pinion steering gears, the tie rods connect the rack's end to the steering knuckle.

The tie rods consist of an inner tie rod and an outer tie rod. The tie rod transmits the force from the steering center link or the rack gear to the steering knuckle, which causes the wheels to turn. The outer tie rod is connected via an adjusting sleeve, which allows the length of the tie rod to be adjusted. The adjustment is critical, as it is used to set the vehicle's toe which is a critical alignment angle.

The tie rod ends could be easily replaced, once they are worn out with some basic skills. A loose or worn tie rod end can cause a feathered pattern on the Volkswagen's wheels. You can detect a faulty tie rod end by raising the front end of the car, then rocking it back and forth. If you detect free movements, it means that the tie rod ends are worn. Worn tie rod ends can cause the vehicle to wander, have erratic steering control, and cause excessive tire wear.

The Volkswagen's steering and suspension systems should be regularly checked, at least once a year alongside with a complete wheel alignment. Worn tie rod ends can cause wandering, erratic steering and excessive tire wear. If the replacement of the tie rd is necessary, a wheel alignment is also required because the rod replacement disturbs the toe setting. For best results, consult a qualified service technician for professional advice and service on your Volkswagen's suspension and steering system.

If you detect worn tie ends, rush to the nearest Volkswagen dealership to have it repaired. A faulty tie rod end could mean a trip to the nearest hospital for you or your loved ones.