Subaru Repair: Subaru Outback repairs, subaru legacy outback, tie rod ends

Question
I have a 98 Subaru Legacy Outback with 76K miles. It failed a state required safety inspection and I was told it needed a new steering rod. How common is this repair? I have not experienced any problems with the steering and the vehicle passed the same inspection last year with 68K miles. Wouldn't I be experiencing some problems? The mechanic is highly recommended and respected by a co-worker. I am new to this area an know no other mechanic for a 2nd opinion. Thanks  

Answer
We have seen inner tie rods fail, and we have seen outer tie rod ends fail. We are in a state that requires both to be inspected, and in our state, any amount of play will keep it from passing. At the age and mileage that you have on your Subaru, it would not surprise me that one of these parts has gone bad.

In our state, the inspectors take there responsibility pretty seriously will not fail a car unless it really needs to fail. In our area, they are actually more likely let something slide, which may or may not have happened last year. It also could have been almost loose last year and passed, and this year it is a little loose. Again, in our state, a little loose is too loose.

Finally, if this mechanic is good, he shouldn't mind showing you why the part is bad. We do that almost every day for our customers. I even know a shop that will offer to show a customer the failed part on every repair.  

Good luck,

Z