I am planning to swap out the tie rod ends for my 2000 C230K this weekend. My plan is to replace only the the outer tie rod end because it looks like an easy job, and the majority of the play is at this joint. I am curious if it is much more difficult to change the inners as well. If it is not too difficult, I might as well do both at the same time and not have to get another alignment down the road when I hvae to swap out the inners. Any thoughts?

 

If your tie rods are like the setup on my 99 C280, both sides are the steering worm will have to be replaced. As they are a one piece rack.

 

Should be the same - I believe the only major difference between the C280 & C230K is the engine. How difficult is the rack to swap out? 2 hrs, 10 hrs?? The dealer wants to charge $300 in labor to install.