Whether you're driving a newer Talon TSi or an original AMC Eagle 4x4, you've got an Eagle ball joint and Eagle tie rod holding things together in your vehicle's front end. Since the two parts involve separate systems that work together, we'll cover them separately. The Eagle ball joint is a special kind of connector that allows your front wheel to turn freely while still remaining attached to the suspension. Not surprisingly, the Eagle ball joint has to handle tremendous forces: Every time you hit a speed bump or a pothole, the Eagle ball joint is hit with the force of a sledgehammer, and it only has a small pool of grease for protection. The Eagle tie rod, on the other hand, has to absorb tremendous lateral forces while still allowing freedom of movement. Since the Eagle tie rod connects your wheels with the steering system, the Eagle tie rod has to be able to pull the wheel in the direction you want to turn regardless of whether the car is on a smooth surface or going over a bump. Again, the Eagle tie rod has only a small reservoir of grease with which to remain lubricated through all this violent motion. The Eagle ball joint and Eagle tie rod both work together to ensure your suspension and steering systems can function in any situation. Thanks to the flexibility of the Eagle ball joint and Eagle tie rod, you're able to steer your car over washboard surfaces, train tracks, and other uneven surfaces. And despite the punishment they take, the Eagle ball joint and Eagle tie rod are both usually good for tens of thousands of miles before replacement is necessary. Don't hesitate when that time comes, however: As you've probably guessed, driving with a bad Eagle ball joint or Eagle tie rod is a dangerous proposition that could result in a loss of steering control or, worse, an entire wheel.