Rack and pinion grommets

[tbkilb01]

Well after changing tie rods, ball joints, sway bar bushings, and struts, I do have a much better driving experience. However, when I took the 92 PREVIA into the alignment shop, the fellow said my rack and pinion grommets (bushings) were a lil worn.. Can I replace the grommets by just unbolting clamp and maybe prying up on rack to sqeeze grommets in or do I have to disconnect all the steering and tie rods again? Or can he just be pitching me a repair/sale?
The replacement of the grommets looks pretty simple but they look intact...The van still drives straight as ever but is pigeon toed. I really dont want to wear out my new treads though! Ive loosened the bolts, that was easy, and I am considering ordering OEM online, I already found them but Will order only if the're needed. I really dont feel any slop in steering at all.

[timsrv]

Just because scamming is so common in the auto repair industry, I'd recommend a 2nd opinion. Last time I took mine in for tires & alignment I checked out the front end 1st (myself) and everything was fine. I took it to the Les Schwab in my home town. When I went to pick it up they had put the new tires on it, but told me it couldn't be aligned due to bad tie rods (which of course they could fix for a hefty fee). I knew that was BS so I asked for the manager and requested they put it back on the rack and show me. When he refused I drove it the next nearest Les Schwab and asked them for a thorough front end inspection and alignment. They put it on the rack and while I watched, checked everything out. The guy came back and said "Everything is nice and tight" and he did the alignment. When I told him what the other store did, he gave me the alignment free (unnecessary, but greatly appreciated).

I usually don't push things like this, but aside from the blatant attempt to scam me I didn't like the manager's attitude. So I sent a complaint letter to their corporate offices . About 2 weeks later my local store manager called me and was actually pissed at me for sending the letter (not the response I expected). I have to admit his anger gave me a degree of satisfaction , but also made me never want to go there again. Now I drive the extra 18 miles to the other store when I need tires.

Sorry about the rant . Your guy might be telling you the truth, but I'd still have somebody else check it. If they come up with the same diagnosis (without you telling them about the other shop), then you'll know he's on the up & up. Tim