I noticed the rubber seals on the ends of both of my tie rods are cracked. Is this something that needs to be replaced soon or can it wait? Also, is this a simple job of unbolting the old and bolting in the new? Does the whole tie rod need to be replaced or just the ends? I know I will need an alignment after the work but if there is anything else that anyone can advise on this I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks, dtimmester
1992 300D
185,000 miles