A Guide to Replacing Steering Tie Rod Ends on Your 2011-2016 Lexus IS350
Restore your Lexus's precise steering feel and prevent expensive tire damage by understanding when and how to replace your tie rod ends.
- Symptoms of a bad tie rod include loose steering, vibration, clunking noises, and uneven tire wear.
- A complete failure of the tie rod can result in a loss of steering control; do not ignore the symptoms.
- A professional wheel alignment is mandatory after replacing any tie rod end to prevent tire damage and ensure safety.
- For aftermarket parts, Beck Arnley and Delphi are reputable choices, while Moog's quality has become inconsistent recently.
Is Your IS350's Steering Feeling Off? Signs of a Bad Tie Rod End
The steering on a Lexus IS350 should feel tight and responsive. When tie rod ends wear out, they become loose, which can introduce a number of problems. Pay attention to these common symptoms, as ignoring them can lead to more serious safety issues.
- Loose Steering or "Play": You might notice a dead zone when you turn the steering wheel, where the car doesn't respond immediately. This looseness is a classic sign of a worn joint. 🎬 Watch: How to tell if your tie rod is bad
- Steering Wheel Vibration: A shaky steering wheel that gets worse as you speed up or turn can point to a bad tie rod end.
- Clunking or Popping Noises: Listen for clunking, rattling, or popping sounds coming from the front of the car, especially when turning at low speeds or driving over bumps. This is the sound of the loose joint moving around.
- Uneven Tire Wear: Inspect your front tires. A worn tie rod throws off the wheel alignment, causing the inside or outside edges of your tires to wear down much faster than the rest of the tread.
- Vehicle Pulling to One Side: If you have to constantly correct the steering wheel to keep the car driving straight, a bad tie rod could be the cause.
Safety First: A Complete Failure is Dangerous
While you can drive with a worn tie rod, it is not recommended for long. If the joint separates completely, you will lose steering control of that wheel, which could cause a crash. It is best to address failing tie rods as soon as symptoms appear.
Known Issues for the 2011-2016 Lexus IS350
Searches for official recalls and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) did not find any specific issues related to steering tie rod end failure for the 2011-2016 Lexus IS350 model years. However, a recall (NHTSA 17V-415) was issued for some 2017 Lexus ES350 models due to a tie rod lock nut that could loosen over time. While this is a different model, it highlights the importance of ensuring all steering components are properly tightened during installation.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Tie Rod End
When replacing parts on your Lexus, you have a choice between OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and aftermarket parts. OEM parts are what the car was built with but are often the most expensive option. Aftermarket parts from reputable brands can offer similar quality for a better price. Here’s a breakdown of the available brands based on owner and mechanic feedback.
Premium & OEM-Equivalent Brands
- Beck Arnley: This brand has a strong reputation as an importer that often sources its parts from the same factories that supply Lexus (OEM). Choosing Beck Arnley is often the closest you can get to original quality without the dealership price tag.
- Delphi: Delphi is a well-known OEM supplier for many car manufacturers. They are generally considered a reliable choice for suspension components, offering good quality and fitment.
Standard & Performance Brands
- Moog: For years, Moog was the go-to brand for high-quality suspension parts, often considered an upgrade over stock. However, in recent years, many professional mechanics and DIYers have reported a noticeable decline in their quality control. While still a major player, be aware that you may not be getting the premium quality the brand was once known for.
- Mevotech: Mevotech offers several different lines of parts, from standard replacement to heavy-duty. Their higher-tier lines, like the "Supreme" series, are generally well-regarded. Quality can be inconsistent with their economy lines.
Economy Brands
- Dorman: Dorman is known for providing affordable replacement parts and for their "OE-Fix" line, which aims to re-engineer parts to be better than the original. However, they are widely considered a budget brand, and some users report shorter part life compared to premium options.
- Suspensia: There is limited specific feedback available for the Suspensia brand in Lexus forums and reviews. It is likely a standard-grade or economy replacement part.
Pro Tip: Replace in Pairs
It is highly recommended to replace both the left and right outer tie rod ends at the same time. Since both sides have been subjected to the same mileage and road conditions, if one has failed, the other is likely not far behind. This also ensures balanced steering feel and makes the mandatory post-replacement alignment more effective.
Replacement Cost for Your IS350
The cost to replace a tie rod end can be broken down into parts and labor. The labor for a single tie rod end is typically around one hour. Remember, a wheel alignment is not optional—it's a required final step that adds to the total cost.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Tie Rod End (Single) | $23.76 - $91.66 |
| New OEM Tie Rod End (Single) | $100 - $150 |
| Shop Labor (Per Side) | $50 - $75 |
| Wheel Alignment | $100 - $200 |
| Total Professional Job (One Side, Aftermarket) | $175 - $365 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I absolutely need a wheel alignment after replacing a tie rod end?
Yes, 100%. Replacing a tie rod end, no matter how carefully you do it, will change your vehicle's toe alignment settings. Skipping the alignment will cause your car to handle poorly, pull to one side, and cause rapid, uneven tire wear, costing you much more in the long run.
Should I replace the inner and outer tie rods at the same time?
It depends on their condition. A mechanic can check the inner tie rods for play when replacing the outers. If the inners are also worn, it is cost-effective to replace them at the same time since much of the labor overlaps. 🎬 Watch: How to replace the inner tie rods on your Lexus If the inners are still tight and in good condition, you can replace just the outers.
What's the difference between an inner and outer tie rod end?
Your IS350 has both an inner and an outer tie rod on each side. The outer tie rod end connects to the steering knuckle at the wheel. The inner tie rod connects to the steering rack itself, hidden behind a protective rubber boot. The outer tie rod end is more commonly the part that fails first.
Can I replace a tie rod end myself?
Yes, this is a feasible DIY job for those with some mechanical experience and the right tools. You will need a jack and jack stands, a good socket set, and a special tool like a tie rod separator (pickle fork) or puller to pop the old joint out of the steering knuckle. 🎬 See this step-by-step tutorial for replacing the outer tie rod However, you will still need to take the car to a shop for a professional alignment immediately after you are done.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 45470-39255
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The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Lexus IS350:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is Your IS350's Steering Feeling Off? Signs of a Bad Tie Rod End
- Safety First: A Complete Failure is Dangerous
- Known Issues for the 2011-2016 Lexus IS350
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Tie Rod End
- Premium & OEM-Equivalent Brands
- Standard & Performance Brands
- Economy Brands
- Pro Tip: Replace in Pairs
- Replacement Cost for Your IS350
- Frequently Asked Questions
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