Hyundai Tucson New Track Rod End

Hyundai Tucson with a Worn Track Rod End at Pellon Tyres

At Pellon Tyres in Halifax, we see all sorts of cars come through our doors, from little city run-arounds to family SUVs. One of our recent visitors was a Hyundai Tucson, a popular SUV that’s become a common sight on British roads.

The owner came in with a simple but worrying complaint – “my steering doesn’t feel right.” Now, if there’s one thing you shouldn’t ignore on a car, it’s steering issues. We got the Tucson straight up on the ramp to investigate.

After a good check over, we found the culprit: a worn track rod end. Once we replaced the part and carried out a wheel alignment, the Tucson was back to driving smoothly, and the owner left the garage happy and reassured.

What is a Track Rod End?

The track rod end is one of those parts that most drivers never think about until something goes wrong. It’s a small ball-jointed component that links the steering rack to the wheel hub assembly. In simple terms, it’s what allows the wheels to pivot when you turn the steering wheel.

Without it, the car simply wouldn’t steer.

Because of its job, the track rod end is under constant stress. Every bump in the road, every pothole, every turn of the wheel – it all goes through this little joint. Over time, they naturally wear out, which is exactly what had happened on this Tucson.

Common Symptoms of a Worn Track Rod End

Drivers often don’t realise what’s wrong until the steering just feels “off”. Some of the typical signs include:

Loose or vague steering – it feels like the car isn’t responding properly.
Uneven tyre wear – often the inside or outside edge of the tyre scrubs away quicker.
Clunking or knocking noises – especially when going over bumps.
Steering wheel vibration – particularly at higher speeds.

Our Tucson driver had spotted the vague steering, which was wise, as this can quickly get worse and even become dangerous.

What Causes Track Rod Ends to Wear Out?

There are several reasons why a track rod end doesn’t last forever:

General wear and tear – Every time you drive, the track rod end is moving. After thousands of miles, it will eventually wear out.
Potholes and rough roads – Living in West Yorkshire, we don’t need reminding how hazardous the roads can be! Hitting potholes puts huge strain on steering components.
Dirt, water, and salt – The joint is protected by a small rubber boot, but once that splits, grit and moisture get inside, leading to corrosion.
Vehicle weight – SUVs like the Hyundai Tucson are heavier than small hatchbacks, which means steering components often work harder. – Even if a car hasn’t done high mileage, time itself can weaken rubber seals and joints.

At Pellon Tyres, we see worn track rod ends on cars of all ages, but SUVs and vehicles used on rougher roads seem particularly prone.

The Hyundai Tucson’s Place in the UK Hyundai Tucson New Track Rod End

The Hyundai Tucson first arrived in the UK in 2004. At that time, Hyundai was still considered a budget brand, but the Tucson began to change that reputation. Hyundai’s renowned long warranty, coupled with its affordability and reliability, provided buyers with genuine peace of mind.

In 2010, the Tucson name briefly disappeared, replaced by the Hyundai ix35. That car was a big hit here in the UK, becoming a rival to the Nissan Qashqai – the car that pretty much invented the family crossover market.

By 2015, Hyundai brought the Tucson name back, and the model has only grown in popularity since. Modern Tucsons are stylish, full of technology, and even available as hybrids, but they’ve kept that reputation for reliability.

Today, it’s one of Hyundai’s best-selling models in Britain and a regular sight in our workshop for everything from tyres and MOTs to steering and suspension work.

Why Steering Problems Shouldn’t Be Ignored

A worn track rod end might sound like a small problem, but it’s far from it. Left unchecked, it can:

Affect your car’s handling and safety.
Lead to severe tyre wear, costing you money in new tyres.
Cause your car to fail its MOT test.
The good news is that it’s usually a straightforward fix. On this Tucson, replacing the worn track rod end and carrying out a wheel alignment solved the problem quickly and cost-effectively.

Final Thoughts Hyundai Tucson New Track Rod End

This Hyundai Tucson was a reminder of just how important regular checks are. Steering components may be small, but they play a huge part in keeping you safe on the road.

If your steering feels loose, your car is pulling to one side, or your tyres are wearing unevenly, don’t ignore it. Bring it in for a check – it could be something as simple as a worn track rod end, and catching it early will save you money and keep your car handling as it should.

At Pellon Tyres in Halifax, we’re here to help with everything from steering and suspension repairs to wheel alignment and MOTs.

👉 Find out more about our services at Pellon Tyres.