I'm wondering how to check and see if my tie rods are bad and how to fix them can I just tighten them down if there loose

 

The outer tie rod are pretty easy. Pull the wheel(s) on each side. Grab the outer tie rod at the base and try to move it. If you can move it/them by hand easily,,,,it/they are done.

For the inner tie rods a bit more. Remove the outer from the knuckle. Raise it to be level with the rack and let go of it. If it drops towards the ground,,,,,it/they are done.

For "giggles" you can go to a parts store and ask to se/hold new ones. Try moving them and feel how tight they are compared to the ones on the car