The tie rod end attaches directly to the steering knuckle and along with the inner tie rod pulls/pushes the knuckle to the needed steering angle. With age the outer tie rod ball joint can develop play or the boot can tear allowing for water and dirt to get inside the joint resulting in failure of the joint. We recommend replacing the outer tie rod if this play or damage exists as steering control may be compromised. During this time we also recommend inspecting the inner tie rod for the same type of play.