What happens to steering alignment if the outer tie rods are damaged?

When the outer tie rods are damaged, the steering alignment is primarily affected in terms of front toe. The outer tie rods are critical components of the steering linkage; they connect the steering rack to the steering knuckles on each wheel. If these tie rods are compromised, it can lead to changes in how the front wheels are positioned relative to the vehicle's centerline.

Toe refers to the angle at which the wheels are pointed in relation to the vehicle's centerline when viewed from above. A damaged outer tie rod can cause the wheels to point too far inward or outward, adversely affecting the vehicle’s handling and tire wear. If the front toe is not correctly aligned, it can result in steering instability, uneven tire wear, and can make the vehicle more difficult to control.

Understanding this relationship clarifies why front toe is the main alignment aspect that changes due to damage to the outer tie rods. The other alignment parameters, such as camber and rear toe, are not primarily influenced by the condition of the outer tie rods.