How do you tell which tie rod end is bad?

Raise and properly support the vehicle so that your tires are off the ground. Push and pull the tire near the area of the tie rod. There should be no movement, or play, in the tie rod end. If there is, that tie rod is bad.

Also, you may notice the rubber boot on the tie rod is torn and grease has leaked out. This is a sign that your tie rod is likely prematurely worn, or will be soon, and it needs replacing.

if you discover that a tie rod ball joint connection is bad, as described above, you should change it immediately to avoid an accident. if tie rod end ball joint connection snaps , you will lose steering in that wheel.