Tie Rods-how can I tell when they're bad?

Two things can go wrong with your tie rods, one the ball joints get worn out from lack of lube. then they must be replaced. It takes about 2 or 3 decades for this kind of wear to show up, except if you are a mud bogger… the other thing is the rods can get bent from driving over a parking curb when you are drunk. That takes about 3 seconds. It might also be possible but unlikely that one of the adjustment bolts could come loose, but that usually takes some help from someone with a wrench. What kind of terms are you on with your neighbors?