A loose tie rod on my '02 Saturn SC2, is it safe to drive?

Question

I just found out today when I went to get my tires aligned that my right front tire's tie rod is loose. I wasn't about to pay $120 to fix when I could get the part for $35 and have the labor done for free. I'm taking the car to be fixed tomorrow, but the amount of shaking in the car started to scare me on the drive home. I have to drive the car about 30 miles to get it fixed. Am I putting myself or my car at risk by driving it that far with an already damaged tie rod? Should I just have it towed?

Answer 1

i wouldn't drive it if i was you. if the tie rod end completely falls out of place, one wheel will keep going straight, and the other will turn out, which can cause a serious accident. it is a lot safer just to get it towed.

Answer 2

Well, if it fails and you crash then that is what you get for being a cheapskate.

Without knowing how badly worn the part is - which would require a visual inspection - I couldn't say if it is safe to drive or not.  

Answer 3

keep it under 35 miles and put your hazzards on...it may or may not break during the 30 mile trip. If you tow its going to cost you more than 120 to get it home...so if that is the case I would just get it repaired now...Doesn't that make sense...

Good luck!

Answer 4

don't drive it . it's better to be safe than sorry . here a good reason why . you are putting your life , pedestrians and other motorist life in hands . once the steering parts come apart you got no control of your vehicle . good luck with your car .

Answer 5

i would,nt be driving it too much, if it breaks it could kill you.

Answer 6

it has been bad for a while...one tire was pointing straight,the other at an angle putting pressure on the tie rod , keeping it from having slack in the joint, the alignment allowed it to have more slack hence the wobble and vibe... it lasted this long one more day wont kill it! go slow and avoid pot holes  good luck

Answer 7

"TOW! It Will only get Worst Very Fast"