Second Hand Ford S-Max Track Rod

Yes, the Ford S-Max has conventional track rods (also called tie rods) as part of its rack-and-pinion steering system, so this is a genuine part on the car. The S-Max is a front-wheel-drive based vehicle and uses standard front track rods connecting the steering rack to the front hub carriers on both sides. When searching, you may also see these listed as tie rod ends or track rod ends depending on whether the seller is listing the full rod or just the end joint.

The Ford S-Max ran as the first generation from 2006 to 2015 and the second generation from 2015 onwards, and these are fundamentally different platforms with different subframes and steering geometries, so track rods from Mk1 and Mk2 cars are not interchangeable. Always confirm the part against your specific registration with the breaker before buying. Never assume a part from the other generation will bolt straight on.

Engine size does not typically affect track rod fitment on the S-Max, as the steering geometry is determined by the platform and generation rather than what's under the bonnet. Both the diesel and petrol variants within the same generation share the same steering rack and track rod configuration. That said, always confirm the part number with the breaker against your registration to be certain, as there can occasionally be sub-variants.

Trim level does not affect track rod fitment on the S-Max — the steering components are the same whether the car was a base Zetec, a mid-spec Titanium, or a higher-spec Titanium X. These trim names refer to interior and cosmetic equipment levels, not changes to the running gear or steering. You can buy from any trim level within the correct generation without concern, though always confirm against your registration with the breaker.

Yes, you do — track rods are handed, meaning the nearside (NS, left/passenger side) and offside (OS, right/driver side) are separate parts and are not the same length or angle. When contacting a breaker, always specify which side you need to avoid getting the wrong part. If you are unsure which side has failed, have the car checked by a mechanic before ordering.

This question spans the generation boundary: the first-generation S-Max ran until 2015, and the second generation launched in 2015, meaning a 2015 car could be either generation depending on when in that year it was registered. A track rod from another Mk1 car should be the same platform, but if the 2015 donor car is actually a Mk2, the parts will not be compatible. Confirm the exact generation of both cars with the breaker before purchasing, using both registration numbers.