Hey all,

So i just got back from getting a wheel bearing replaced (ABS light is on now, going to have to bring it back tomorrow after work....) and the mechanic told me that my tie rod end was bad and it needs to be replaced.

I need to wait to get the tie rod replaced, which the mechanic said is okay, but I should get it replaced in a month or so. My question is, how bad is it to drive with the tie rod end being bad? I need to take a 2 and 1/2 hour trip both ways this weekend and now Im worried that it might break and cause some damage.

Ill attach a picture of the tie rod. I can tell from looking at the one on the other side that it needs replacing, but am I okay waiting a couple weeks to get it replaced? (Or even a week, after I take this trip?)

Thanks in advance!

 

It would be pretty rare to have one break. Unless it's totally chowed out I think you're safe. Just OBTW, if it does break it won't just cause some damage it will wreck you. No steering.

 

The rubber still looks intact, I've driven on much worse tie rods for much longer. Unless there's something the picture isn't showing you should be fine for a couple months.

 

Thanks guys, I thought the same thing, but I dont, admittedly, know much about suspension parts for my audi yet.

The rubber isnt torn or anything, but it looks like it shrunk a bit... it doesnt cover as high up as the driver side.

 

The ABS sensor may be on because when you replaced the wheel bearing he had to drive the old one out of the wheel hub and press the new one in.

I remember when my friend changed a front axle on his Passat. Simple procedure, but after he had ABS lights on.

What can you do? There is this round metal sensor going in to the wheel hub. It makes contact with this grooved metal flange. Sometimes taking the sensor out and cleaning it removes the ABS light.

Try it.