Hyundai Repair: Elantra 2003 Alignment after Tie Rod End Repair, tie rod ends, steering wheel

Question
I was told by my dealer during a recall service of my 2003 Elantra (4.3 liter engine) that both of my tie rod ends were badly worn. I gave him the OK to proceed with the replacement, but when I drove the car home the alignment was out of whack - steering wheel straight, front wheels turned to 2:00.  When I called to question this, I was told that an alignment after the replacement of tie rod ends was not necessary with my model. Is this true?  Shouldn't it have been done anyway since it was pretty obvious?

Answer
This is most certainly *not* true.  An alignment is necessary *anytime* a tie rod end is replaced.  The tie rod end is used to adjust the front toe, so during removal of one and installation of another, it's impossible to put the toe setting exactly where it was before.  This is why the alignment is necessary.