When most people think about suspension and steering upgrades, they focus on coilovers, angle kits, or sway bars. But there’s one critical component that quietly determines how your car feels on the road or track: the inner tie rod.
What Is an Inner Tie Rod?
The inner tie rod is the steering component that connects your steering rack to the outer tie rod. It allows the wheels to turn smoothly and accurately by transmitting force from your steering wheel through the rack and out to the knuckle. It’s located behind the boot on each end of the steering rack, shielded from view but constantly under load.
Inner vs. Outer Tie Rods
- Inner tie rod: Mounted directly to the steering rack. Responsible for translating steering rack movement to lateral force.
- Outer tie rod: Connects to the knuckle and adjusts toe angle. Exposed and easier to visually inspect.
Together, these two pieces are critical to steering accuracy, wheel alignment, and vehicle feedback.
Symptoms of a Bad Inner Tie Rod
If your inner tie rod is worn, your car will start giving you signs. Ignoring them can lead to unpredictable handling, uneven tire wear, or complete steering failure.
Common Warning Signs:
- Loose or vague steering feel
- Clicking or popping sounds when turning
- Uneven tire wear despite alignment
- Clunking when hitting bumps
- Visible play or movement when moving the wheel side-to-side while stationary
How to Check Inner Tie Rod Play
You can do a basic test by jacking the car up and grabbing the wheel at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions. If you feel play or see the inner tie rod moving independently of the rack, it’s time to inspect further. Removing the tie rod boot will expose the joint for a more detailed check.
Why Inner Tie Rods Matter in Performance Driving
In motorsports like drifting, circuit racing, and autocross, even tiny amounts of steering slop can ruin confidence mid-corner. The inner tie rod must hold up to extreme lateral loads, especially in modified setups with wider wheels, increased angle, or extended travel.
Upgraded Inner Tie Rod Benefits:
- Improved steering feel and precision
- Increased strength for aggressive driving
- Reduced risk of failure under high load
- Better response with upgraded angle kits
How Often Should You Replace Them?
There’s no fixed timeline, but it’s smart to inspect your inner tie rods every 25,000–50,000 miles. If you're using your car for drifting or track use, check them more frequently. Excessive toe adjustments, pothole hits, or rack extensions can accelerate wear.
Can You Replace Just the Inner Tie Rod?
Yes. You can replace just the inner tie rod if the outer is still in good shape. But in most cases, especially on older builds, it’s recommended to replace both inner and outer tie rods together for optimal performance and reliability.
Torque Specs & Tools You’ll Need
- Inner tie rod tool or crow’s foot wrench
- Torque wrench (OEM spec varies by vehicle)
- Threadlocker (optional but recommended)
- New boot clamps and tie rod boots if damaged
Always consult your vehicle’s service manual for torque specs. Many BMW platforms, for example, use 55–65 ft-lbs of torque at the inner joint.
SLRspeed Inner Tie Rod Solutions
At SLRspeed, we design and build ultra-durable inner tie rods for motorsport-grade steering performance. Our kits are tested in Formula Drift, Pro-Am builds, and grassroots tracks around the world. Whether you're setting toe in the pits or trying to cure vague steering, our kits are built to take abuse and deliver precision.
Final Thoughts
Inner tie rods are easy to forget until they start causing problems. But if you’re chasing sharp handling, drift confidence, or tight alignment specs, upgrading to stronger components is one of the best investments you can make.
Trust your steering. Inspect your tie rods. Drive with confidence.
Read our full breakdown on SLR Inner Tie Rods here →
