Is the tie rod the only reason for the steering to pull in one direction?

A pull to the right or left can have many causes. Assuming you have not smacked any curbs or hit pot holes big enough to swallow a car, start with the simplest check. Tires are the most overlooked cause of pull or drift to either side. Always check tire inflation pressures first and set to manufactures specifications. Check for unusual wear patterns which may indicate an Alignment problem. Rotate tires and road test to see if the "pull" is still there. That will eliminate tires as the root cause. Brakes can also cause a pull to one side due to a brake caliper not releasing causing brake pads to drag and overheat. The loud clanking noise is likely the result of worn sway bar bushings and link rods.