Since the tie rods are a key component of your car's steering system, their failure should be immediately noticeable. Mainly, you'll notice that your car feels different to steer and control now that the tie rods have gone awry. For instance, you may experience vibrations and shakes from the steering wheel. In addition, the steering wheel may feel rather loose or have too much play. Besides that, you may hear odd sounds and sensations while you're turning, especially at higher speeds. Another way to tell if your tie rods have failed while driving is the sensation that your car is pulling or veering left to right. Once you stop your car, step outside, and inspect more closely, other symptoms will appear, such as uneven tire wear.