Tie Rod Scam?
 

95 E320 W124032 131kmiles

I had my first front end allignment done at the local MB dealer yesterday. I was told that both the L&R tie rods needed to be replaced in order to do the alignment. I got the old parts back, and they seem ok just based on the operation of the ball joints.

The previous owner's service records show replacement of tie rods at 75Kmiles, again as part of a front end alignment.

Is this normal wear and tear - or a scam? What is the experience base out there?

Sometimes the adjusters are frozen so badly that the ends need to be cutoff and replaced before an alignment can be performed.

Also, could be tough to detect play without enough 'leverage' on the joint to make it move. You could try placing the stems in a vice or somesuch, and giving them a tug

Did the car drive OK previous to the alignment???? Were the tires wearing evenly????

Car was driving ok - straight tracking. Tire wear showed a little wear (all even) on the inside edge of both front tires. Got new rubber and that's why I went for the alignment in the first place. Needing the alignment is not the issue for me. I am suprised about the relatively short life of the tie rods.