Mercedes: Tie rods on 2005 Mercedes c320, tie rod ends, steering alignment

Question
QUESTION: The mechanic is saying I need to replace all the tie rod ends on my 2005 mercedes c320 with 30,000 miles.  All good paved road driving, no curb strikes, no problem with steering, alignment, or vibration.  Does this make sense?

ANSWER: Michael,
What symptoms prompted you the have the front end checked? Have you owned the vehicle since new? Has the vehicle been operated in excessive wet conditions or conditions where there is considerable salt sprayed on the rod for snow melt?
Robert

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The car was at the dealers for routine maintenance.  We bought it at about 7,000 miles from an estate.  It is in Wisconsin, so salt may be  an issue.

Answer
Michael,
If the tie rod ends need to be replaced you should be seeing some tire ware and the vehicle should have some issues with road walk, because of tracking.

If you jack the vehicle with both front wheels off the ground, the end play will show when you try to wiggle the wheel side to side. You should also be able to visually see the play at the joint and note if it is dry. If the rubber seals are gone, then the joints need to be replaced.
The seals keep the grease in. some joints have  a grease fitting some are lift time seals.
In any case it the joints appear to be dry or have play, the it is a good idea to replace them.
With the grease gone then road water and salt gets into the joint and cause rust and excess ware.

Good Luck
Robert.